The Persian nuthatch or the eastern rock-nuthatch is a species of bird in the family Sittidae. It is found in Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan.
Region
Middle East and Western Central Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern Turkey and the Caucasus through Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and northern Iraq and Iran, east to Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan. It favors rocky slopes, cliffs, gorges, and dry mountainous terrain with sparse scrub. The species readily uses human-made structures such as walls and ruins for nesting. It is generally a year-round resident across its range, making only local altitudinal movements.
Altitude Range
200–3000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Persian nuthatch, this species is a cliff-dwelling specialist that often builds remarkable mud-plastered nests on rock faces, buildings, and ruins. It is an agile climber, moving headfirst along vertical surfaces while probing crevices for prey. The species is largely sedentary and maintains territories year-round. Like other nuthatches, it may cache food in cracks for later use.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low dashes between rocks
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs that defend rocky territories year-round. Nests are mud-plastered flask-like structures placed on cliffs, boulders, or walls, often with a small entrance tunnel. Clutches are laid in spring, and both adults participate in nest defense and provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, clear, whistled notes delivered from prominent perches on rocks. Calls include sharp, metallic chinks and piping sequences, often repeated in series.
