The Eurasian Nuthatch is recognizable by its blue-gray plumage on the back and white plumage on the belly, with a distinctive black line running across its eyes. It moves nimbly along tree trunks and branches, often hanging upside down. Its diet consists mainly of insects and seeds. It prefers forested habitats but also adapts well to parks and gardens. It nests in natural cavities or those excavated by woodpeckers, often sealing the entrance with mud to protect them; its Italian name derives from this curious behavior. The nesting season runs from April to July.