Kashmir Nuthatch
Sitta cashmirensis
Unremarkable-looking nuthatch with a highly restricted range. Found in hill and montane forests; favors coniferous-dominated forest types. Slaty-gray with dark “extended mask” stripe and buffy-orange underparts (paler in female). Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch can be similar; note Kashmir’s pale throat, paler underparts, and unbarred vent in all plumages. Calls include a tortured-sounding nasal scream.
Identification
This bird measures 14 cm (5.5 in) long and has mostly grey upper parts, reddish underparts and a pale throat and chin.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Sitta cashmirensis
- Authority
- Brooks, WE, 1871
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Sittidae
- Genus
- Sitta
Range and habitat
It makes its home in the subtropical and tropical humid montane forests. It prefers a high altitude, from 1,800 to 3,350 meters.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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Little Cormorant
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An all black ducklike waterbird with a distinctive flattish head and a bill that is sharply hooked at the tip. Smallest of the cormorants found in the region. Breeding adults have white plumes on the sides of the head. Like all cormorants, frequently seen swimming with its body low in the water, head and neck pointing upward, and suddenly disappearing underwater to catch fish. Often perches upright on a rock, drying itself with outstretched wings. Seen singly or in small groups in inland water bodies. Similar to Indian Cormorant, but note smaller size, stouter bill, and shape of the head, flat on Little Cormorant and rounded on Indian Cormorant.

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Small, finchlike lark of arid zones with strong sexual dimorphism. Male is striking with black underparts, whitish cheeks, and black crown. Female is overall gray-brown overall and lightly-streaked; best identified by short, heavy bill. In flight shows dark underwing coverts and black tail (from above black tail sides). Breeds on desert plains with scattered bushes. Song is a repetitive short phrase of clear, high-pitched whistles. Call is a short, buzzing "Zzz" or "Zik, zik…"
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