The Bahama nuthatch is a nuthatch species endemic to the pineyards of Grand Bahama island in the Bahamas. It may be extinct as of 2019.
Region
Caribbean
Typical Environment
Historically restricted to old-growth Caribbean pine (Pinus caribaea var. bahamensis) forests on Grand Bahama. It favored open pinelands with abundant standing dead pines and snags for nesting and foraging. Birds moved through mature pine canopies and midstory, frequently using trunks and larger branches. It avoided heavily urbanized areas and dense broadleaf thickets.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 30 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Bahama nuthatch is (or was) confined to the pineyards of Grand Bahama, making it one of the most range‑restricted birds in the Caribbean. It suffered dramatic declines after hurricanes, fires, and habitat degradation, and was feared extinct following Hurricane Dorian in 2019. It forages by creeping along pine trunks and branches, probing bark for insects with a sharp, straight bill.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, often moving methodically along trunks and branches. Nests in cavities in dead pines or old woodpecker holes; both adults feed the young. Territorial during breeding, with more tolerance of nearby conspecifics outside the nesting period.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are squeaky and high-pitched, reminiscent of a tiny rubber-duck toy, interspersed with sharp chip notes. Song phrases are short, nasal, and repeated, carrying well across open pine habitat.
