Sitta canadensis is a tree-climbing bird in the family of nuthatches. There are a few synonyms for this species, including the red-breasted nuthatch, which refers to the bird's distinctive plumage, and the Canada nuthatch, which distinguishes it from other species within the genus. Other synonyms include the common nuthatch and the American nuthatch, which are more general terms that refer to nuthatch species found in North America. Though they may have different names, these synonyms all refer to the same species of bird known for its energetic movements and habit of storing food in tree bark.