Sitta pygmaea
adult
The Pygmy Nuthatch is a compact, dumpy-bodied forest songbird with a relatively large head and short tail. The sexes are similar. Adults have a blue-gray back and wing coverts, and subtly darker flight feathers. The cap is dull blue-green, defined below by a dark eye stripe; there is a pale patch on the nape. The face and throat are whitish, and the underparts are otherwise buff with a subtle blue-gray suffusion to the flanks. Juveniles are similar to adults but less colorful.
The Pygmy Nuthatch is present year-round in a range that is defined by the presence of Ponderosa Pines (Pinus ponderosa) and related species. It is an extremely social species. Cooperative behavior occurs when nesting, with breeding pairs often assisted by male helpers. Outside the breeding season, it forages in sizeable and vocal flocks, and even roosts communally.
adult
FACT FILE
LENGTH 4.25 in (11 cm)
FOOD Invertebrates and seeds
HABITAT Conifer forests
STATUS Widespread and common resident
VOICE Song comprises a series of two-note ke-Dee, ke-Dee . . . phrases. Calls include endlessly repeated kip-kip-kip . . . notes
