Tiny, nasal, excitable trunk creepers. Common across US and southern Canada, especially in eruptive years (2 year cycle); more northerly in summer. Prefers coniferous and mixed forests; attracted to feeders. Small, short-tailed and barrel chested, with no neck; short chisel bill; blue gray above with salmon underparts, eyestripe. Tin horn honk distinctive. Largely insect eating in summer, actively probing bark; eats seeds in winter, and may cache food. Excavates nest hole in dead wood and lines hole entrance with resin, possibly to deter invaders. Lifespan up to 7 years. Population ~ 20 million and stable.