Strauss C. F. 2007. Red-breasted Nuthatch, Sitta canadensis, Dies Stuck in Resin at Entrance to a Nest-box. The Canadian Field-Naturalist, 121,4.
Abstract:
I document a female Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) found dead and stuck to resin in the opening of a nest-box in an urban setting. This is the second reported occurrence of such mortality and the first involving a nest-box. This species applies resin to its nest openings to deter predators and reduce competition or parasitism from other species. Red-breasted Nuthatches infrequently utilize nest-boxes. At necropsy this female nuthatch was found to be carrying a fully-formed egg with shell and this increase in abdominal girth may have contributed to her demise.
