Giant Nuthatch

Overview

The giant nuthatch is the largest species in its family, the Sittidae. It is an Endangered bird characterised by a long beak and tail, found primarily in pine forests across south-east Asia.

Identification

• Measures 19.5 cm in length, making it the longest of all nuthatches, with a relatively long bill and tail.
• Features thick black eyestripes extending to the upper back, bluish-grey upperparts with a lighter grey crown, and light grey underparts with whitish cheeks and a buffy or cinnamon belly.
• The bill is black with the lower mandible often appearing bluish-white or bluish-lilac; undertail coverts are rufous with large white spots.
• Voice is sonorous and reminiscent of a corvid, including chattering cries transcribed as gd-da-da or get-it-up, and a clear whistling or tinkling song.

Habitat

This species inhabits medium to high-altitude pine forests, particularly old Pinus kesiya (Khasi pine) stands on mountain ridges, often mixed with oak and chestnut groves. Its range extends from south-central China to north-western Thailand, with probable presence in the far north-west of Laos.

Diet

The bird gleans insects and berries from the trunks and branches of trees, often visiting pine species. It forages alone or in pairs, frequently positioning itself upside down and dropping from branch to branch using its broad wings.

Did you know?

The bird's calling cry is often compared to the chattering of a magpie, yet it also produces a clear, whistling song that has been described as resembling the loud voice of a tree frog.