Algerian NuthatchSitta ledantiA small nuthatch endemic to a tiny area in northeastern Algeria with a sharply demarcated white eyebrow. Female similar to the male but slightly duller with a dark gray forehead. Somewhat similar to the closely related Corsican Nuthatch, but ranges do not overlap. Breeds in old-growth montane oak and mixed forests. Song is a loud, repeating, and rapid "Kyi kyi kyi kyi kyi kyi…" Call is a tit-like nazal "Dzuuee."Sittidae bird family
Order Passeriformes · 6 selected species
Browse verified BirdLens profiles selected for complete taxonomy, substantial descriptive coverage, and visual evidence. Open a species to compare its identification notes, distribution, behavior, sounds, and maps.
Algerian NuthatchSitta ledantiA small nuthatch endemic to a tiny area in northeastern Algeria with a sharply demarcated white eyebrow. Female similar to the male but slightly duller with a dark gray forehead. Somewhat similar to the closely related Corsican Nuthatch, but ranges do not overlap. Breeds in old-growth montane oak and mixed forests. Song is a loud, repeating, and rapid "Kyi kyi kyi kyi kyi kyi…" Call is a tit-like nazal "Dzuuee."
Chestnut-vented NuthatchSitta nagaensisTypical nuthatch; small bird with a wedge-shaped head, usually seen clambering around on trees. Gray above and white below, with a thin black line extending from the bill base to the shoulder. Deep rust red on the flanks and red-edged scaling under the tail serve to distinguish this otherwise plain species from similar nuthatches. Active and social, often following mixed flocks. Inhabits both broadleaf and coniferous forests in foothill and submontane areas. Listen for its song, a loud ringing series of trills. Calls include nasal caws, a bright-sounding “pewpewpew,” and high-pitched chittering.
Eurasian NuthatchSitta europaeaClassic nuthatch, with a long pointed bill, short tail, and black mask; color of underparts varies across range, from peachy-buff to snow-white and orangish. Usually seen as singles or pairs, hitching along trunks and larger branches in deciduous and mixed woodlands and gardens, or visiting bird feeders. Acts a bit like a mini-woodpecker, but does not use its tail for support and sometimes goes downwards head-first. Often feeds in the canopy, but also feeds on the ground where seeds have fallen. Easily overlooked until rather loud ringing calls are learned. Compare with other nuthatches where ranges overlap.
Giant NuthatchSitta magnaThe largest nuthatch in the world, about the size of a bulbul. Coloration similar to many other nuthatches: gray above and white below, with a thick black line through the eye. Picky in its habitat preferences and as a result generally uncommon or absent through much of its range; requires extensive stands of mature tall pines in foothills and montane regions. Can be quite loud, giving a hoarse chatter reminiscent of a corvid; also gives a clipped fluty whistle.
White-breasted NuthatchSitta carolinensisThe largest nuthatch in North America, with distinctive white face, black cap, and blue-gray upperparts. Also note rusty lower belly and undertail coverts. Females have a slightly paler crown than males. Fairly common and widespread, usually in mature woodlands with large trees. Creeps along tree trunks and branches, often upside-down. Sometimes joins mixed flocks with other songbirds. Visits feeders. Listen for insistent yammering calls. Some subtle variation across range, mainly in the darkness of the sides and back, width of the black crown, and vocalizations.White-breasted NuthatchSitta carolinensisThe largest nuthatch in North America, with distinctive white face, black cap, and blue-gray upperparts. Also note rusty lower belly and undertail coverts. Females have a slightly paler crown than males. Fairly common and widespread, usually in mature woodlands with large trees. Creeps along tree trunks and branches, often upside-down. Sometimes joins mixed flocks with other songbirds. Visits feeders. Listen for insistent yammering calls. Some subtle variation across range, mainly in the darkness of the sides and back, width of the black crown, and vocalizations.