2007 Canadian 25-Cent Birds of Canada #1: Red-Breasted Nuthatch Coloured Coin

2007 Canadian 25-Cent Birds of Canada #1: Red-Breasted Nuthatch Coloured Coin

The Red-breasted Nuthatch is easily missed as it creeps along tree limbs like a mouse - a behaviour one wouldn't expect from a bird. Head-first it climbs down the tree trunk, searching for tiny organisms hidden in the nooks and crannies that were overlooked by other birds that climb up in an upright position.

The nuthatch's large hind toe and a stubby tail are likely adaptations for climbing upside down; the toe providing added stability and the short stubby tail enabling it to maneuver amongst the branches. A sturdy tapered beak also enables it to wedge nuts and hard seeds in crevices and hammer them open with its beak, another distinct behaviour that led to its name. It also hides caches of seeds in crevices of tree trunks for winter food.

Of the 17 nuthatch species found throughout North America and Eurasia, three reside in Canada. The Redbreasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) is the most widely distributed and is readily identified by its eye stripes and rust-coloured underbody. It is a small, active bird and with a diverse repertoire of calls, its nasal "yank-yank" call is usually heard before the bird is seen!

Design

The red-breasted nuthatch, a feathered tree climber, is immortalized in a new painted 25-cent coin struck in a specimen finish, designed by artist Arnold Nogy of Coldwater, Ontario. This resourceful little bird will also star in one of the "wildly" popular Hinterland Who's Who television vignettes. 

Packaging

2007 Canadian 25-Cent Birds of Canada: Red-Breasted Nuthatch Coloured Coin is encapsulated and presented in a maroon clamshell case lined with flock and protected by a black beauty box and Certificate of Authenticity.

Specifications

Face Value: 25 cents
Mintage: 25,000
Composition: Nickel plated steel
Weight (g): 12.61
Diameter (mm): 35
Finish: Specimen