The Siberian nuthatch is a bird species of the family Sittidae. For a long time considered as a subspecies of the Eurasian nuthatch, it was clearly differentiated in 2006 on the basis of morphological and molecular characters. It is on average marginally larger than the Eurasian nuthatch, and also differs in some morphological features such as the shape of its bill, the size of its claws and the colour of its underwing and outer rectrices. Its song has also been described as "distinctly different" from that of the Eurasian nuthatch, though without further clarification.
Region
Siberia and Northeast Asia
Typical Environment
Primarily inhabits the boreal taiga from the Ural Mountains across central and eastern Siberia to the Russian Far East, locally including Kamchatka and Sakhalin. It favors mature coniferous forests dominated by spruce, larch, and pine, but may also use mixed forests. Birds occupy well-wooded river valleys and edges where old trees offer abundant cavities and bark crevices. In severe winters it can wander locally to lower elevations or into more southerly forests.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Continental
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Long treated as a subspecies of the Eurasian nuthatch, it was elevated to species status in the mid-2000s based on clear morphological and genetic differences. It shows a cleaner white face with a greatly reduced or absent dark eye-stripe, a slightly heavier bill, and larger claws. Like other nuthatches, it can descend tree trunks headfirst and stores seeds in bark crevices for winter.
The Eurasian nuthatch, nominate subspecies S. e. europaea, strongly resembles the Siberian nuthatch, but they are not particularly closely related among the nuthatches.
Sergei Buturlin described the Siberian nuthatch in 1907.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs that hold territories year-round. Nests in tree cavities and often plasters the entrance with mud or resin to adjust the opening size. Caches food in bark crevices and remembers numerous storage sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of clear, whistled, piping notes delivered in measured series, generally slower and purer-toned than Eurasian nuthatch. Calls include sharp ‘tuit’ and soft contact notes used between pair members.
