Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch

Overview

The chestnut-bellied nuthatch (Sitta cinnamoventris) is a species of bird in the family Sittidae classified as Least Concern. It is found throughout the Indian subcontinent, occurring in India, Tibet, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.

Identification

• Features a heavier bill compared to the Burmese nuthatch, with the crown and mantle appearing the same shade.
• Displays contrasting wing and tail markings, including silvery edges to the primaries and blackish inner webs to the tertials and tail.
• Possesses large white spots in the tail and white on the ear coverts that does not extend into the chin, unlike the Indian nuthatch.
• Subpopulations vary in colouration, with the almorae race having paler underparts and the koelzi race featuring darker females.

Habitat

This species inhabits subtropical or tropical forests, ranging from dry to moist environments, as well as montane and lowland forests. Its range is resident from the Murree Hills to the Uttaranchal foothills, extending through the Assam Valley and Arunachal Pradesh into the Lushai Hills.

Did you know?

Rasmussen and Anderton (2005) established that the chestnut-bellied nuthatch is a distinct species separate from both the Indian nuthatch and the Burmese nuthatch.