The white-cheeked nuthatch is a species of bird in the family Sittidae. It is found in Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.
Region
Himalayas and Hindu Kush
Typical Environment
Found from eastern Afghanistan through northern Pakistan and India into Nepal and Bhutan, primarily in montane conifer and mixed forests. It favors mature stands of pine, fir, spruce, and juniper with abundant large trunks and dead snags for nesting. Occurs along forest edges, ravines, and sometimes high-elevation orchards or parklands. Mostly sedentary, with local altitudinal movements in winter.
Altitude Range
1500–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A bark-gleaning specialist, the white-cheeked nuthatch can climb headfirst down tree trunks using its strong toes and claws. It frequents high-elevation conifer forests of the Hindu Kush and Himalayas and often joins mixed-species foraging flocks outside the breeding season. Like other nuthatches, it may plaster mud around a nest-hole entrance to adjust its size and deter predators.
Illustration by John Gould and H. C. Richter
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short, direct flights with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups during the breeding season and defends territories year-round. Nests in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes, often narrowing the entrance with mud. Outside breeding, it may join mixed-species flocks while foraging through the canopy and mid-story.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of clear, whistled notes in short series, interspersed with sharp, metallic calls. Typical calls include repeated sit or tsi notes and harsher scolding chatter when alarmed.
Plumage
Slate-blue upperparts with a striking white cheek and throat, contrasting with a dark cap and eye-stripe; underparts pale buff to warm buff with slightly rufous flanks.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other arthropods gleaned from bark and foliage, including beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. Also takes seeds and conifer nuts, especially in the non-breeding season. Stores food in bark crevices for later use and can hammer larger items against wood to open them.
Preferred Environment
Forages on trunks, large branches, and underside of limbs in conifer and mixed montane forests. Often works methodically along bark fissures and around cones, occasionally descending to the ground near tree bases.
