Bird Guide

Giant Nuthatch

Sitta magna

EndangeredInvertebratesWoodlandCavity nestSmall · 41 g

About the Giant Nuthatch

The giant nuthatch is a species of bird in the family Sittidae. It is the longest of the nuthatches, measuring 19.5 cm (7.7 in) in length. Its upperparts are bluish grey, with the front being light grey, contrasting with the darker rest of the back. The bird has two very thick black eyebrow lines and light grey underparts, with whitish cheeks and throat, and a belly more or less washed with buff and cinnamon. For a nuthatch, it has a long beak and tail. The female can be distinguished from the male by its duller eye features and its upperparts having less contrast between the crown, nape, and lower back. The calls are powerful and made up of repetitions of simple patterns. The species…

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

The upperparts are dark bluish-grey, with the crown, nape, and upper mantle much lighter grey and somewhat streaked with black, varyingly between individuals, regardless of sex. The crown is framed by two thick black eyestripes that extend to the top of the mantle; in profile, the bird can even give the impression of having a black head. The underparts are light grey, with almost white cheeks and throat, and the belly is more or less washed with cinnamon. The undertail coverts are rufous, with large white spots.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where the Giant Nuthatch lives

Regular range

When to see the Giant Nuthatch

Peak activity in February · a winter visitor species across most of its range

Easily confused with

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