The Red-breasted Nuthatch is basically solitary, although in winter it will join mixed flocks of other small birds. The Red-breasted Nuthatch is smaller than the White-breasted Nuthatch and has rusty under parts.

Nuthatches prefer conifer forests where they search for insects on twigs and branches. They will visit feeders with sunflower seed, suet and nuts. The Red-breasted Nuthatch can be found near mature stands of coniferous woodlands. It will also nest in suburban areas with adequate evergreen coverage. They nest in tree holes lined by plant fibers and bark.

Hanging the feeder from a tree branch or close to a tree trunk is optimal. Squirrel baffles are recommended.

They breed in northern evergreen forests but winter in the southern United States.