Krüper's nuthatch is a species of bird in the nuthatch family Sittidae. It is a small to medium-sized nuthatch, measuring 12.5 centimetres (4.9 in) in length. The upperparts are blue-grey, with the front half of the crown black in adults of both sexes, but with a less marked in the female rear. The species has a black or grey eyestripe and a prominent white supercilium. The underparts are blue-grey in males and buff-grey in females, with a large, crescent-shaped rufous pectoral patch. It feeds on insects in the summer and seeds, especially pine seeds, in autumn and winter. Breeding takes place between March and May, and the nest is usually placed in a tree hole. The clutch consists of five to seven eggs, incubated by the female and fed by the male. Both parents take part in feeding the young.
Region
Eastern Mediterranean and Anatolia
Typical Environment
Primarily found in Turkey with a small, well-known population on the Greek island of Lesbos; local populations occur in adjacent parts of the eastern Aegean and western Transcaucasia. It favors mature coniferous forests dominated by Turkish pine, black pine, and occasionally fir or cedar. The species uses forest interiors as well as edges and open pine woodlands with scattered old trees. On islands it occurs down to coastal pinewoods, while in mainland mountains it frequents montane slopes. It depends on stands with sufficient old trees that provide natural cavities for nesting.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Krüper's nuthatch is a small tree-climbing passerine strongly tied to mature pine forests, especially Turkish pine. Like other nuthatches, it can descend tree trunks headfirst while foraging. It breeds in cavities, typically in old pines, and both parents feed the nestlings. Outside the breeding season it relies heavily on pine seeds and often caches food in bark crevices.
Illustrated by John Gould, showing a male Krüper's nuthatch on the right and a juvenile on the left.
Male Krüper's nuthatch.
An adult feeding its incubating partner at the entrance to its nest.
A forest of Turkish pine (Pinus brutia) in Pozantı, Turkey.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Breeds in pairs that defend territories in spring, nesting in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes in pines. The female incubates while the male provides food; both parents feed the fledglings. Outside the breeding season it may join mixed-species foraging flocks in conifer woods. It often caches seeds in bark crevices for later use.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The song is a series of thin, whistled notes and short trills delivered from the canopy. Calls include sharp, nasal 'sit-sit' and chattering notes typical of nuthatches.
