Yunnan Nuthatch

Overview

The Yunnan nuthatch is a small passerine bird endemic to Southwest China. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though a 2009 study predicted a significant decrease in its population between 2040 and 2069.

Identification

• Small body measuring approximately 12 cm in length, with blue-grey upperparts contrasting with pale, pinkish-buff underparts.
• Distinctive thin white eyebrow surmounting a black eyestripe, a feature that may become discontinuous in worn plumage.
• Fine, pointed beak with a grey-black bill and a horny or yellowish base on the lower mandible.
• Noisy vocalisations consisting of repetitive nasal sounds such as kni-kni-kni, kit-kit-kit, or harsh schri-schri-schri calls.

Habitat

Found mainly in the prefectures of Yunnan, Sichuan, and Guizhou in China, as well as the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh in India. It inhabits sparsely forested pine areas and avoids dense spruce and fir forests, moving from high altitudes of 2,440 to 3,960 m in summer down to 1,200 m in winter.

Diet

The diet is not fully understood, but the bird feeds on insects found on pine branches.

Did you know?

A 2014 DNA-based phylogeny identified the Yunnan nuthatch as the most basal species within its group, suggesting it serves as an evolutionary link between the canadensis and europaea nuthatch groups.