The velvet-fronted nuthatch is a small passerine bird in the nuthatch family Sittidae found in southern Asia from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh east to south China and Indonesia. Like other nuthatches, it feeds on insects in the bark of trees, foraging on the trunks and branches and their strongly clawed toes allow them to climb down tree trunks or move on the undersides of horizontal branches. They are found in forests with good tree cover and are often found along with other species in mixed-species foraging flocks. Adult males can be told apart by the black stripe that runs behind and above the eyes. They have a rapid chipping call note. They breed in tree cavities and holes, often created by woodpeckers or barbets.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Himalayan foothills and the Indian subcontinent through Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to southern China and mainland Southeast Asia, extending to parts of Indonesia. It favors mature evergreen and mixed forests, wooded hillsides, plantations, and large parks with good canopy cover. Most activity is in the mid- to upper canopy, but birds also forage along trunks and large branches. It commonly joins mixed-species foraging flocks, especially with woodpeckers, drongos, and small babblers.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking nuthatch is notable for its velvety black forehead and vivid blue upperparts, often flashing through the canopy in mixed-species flocks. Like other nuthatches, it can climb headfirst down tree trunks thanks to strong toes. It nests in natural cavities or old woodpecker and barbet holes, sometimes lining them with bark fibers. Its rapid, chipping calls keep contact with mates and flock-mates while foraging.
Swainson's 1820 illustration
A female S. f. frontalis with insect prey (Coorg)
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forages in pairs or small family groups and readily joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. It nests in tree cavities, frequently reusing or modifying holes made by woodpeckers or barbets. Pairs maintain small territories and communicate with frequent contact calls.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rapid series of sharp chips and twitters, often delivered while moving along branches. Calls carry well through the canopy and include high, metallic notes used for contact and alarm.
