White-tailed nuthatch

The white-tailed nuthatch is a species of bird in the family Sittidae. It ranges across the northern and northeastern parts of the Indian Subcontinent, existing mainly in the low-to-middle Himalayas, as well as associated mountain ranges. It is found in Bhutan, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Tibet and Thailand.

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Distribution

Region

Himalayas and Indochina

Typical Environment

Found from the lower to middle elevations of the Himalayas east through northeastern India and into Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos. It favors mature subtropical and temperate montane forests, especially oak, pine, and mixed broadleaf–conifer stands. Often seen along forest edges and in interior woodland where large trees provide foraging surfaces and nesting cavities. Frequently joins mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season.

Altitude Range

600–2800 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size12–14 cm

Wing Span20–24 cm

Male Weight0.014 kg

Female Weight0.013 kg

Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

A nimble tree-climber, it often forages head-first down trunks and branches, probing bark for insects. The species gets its name from the white outer tail feathers that flash in flight. It nests in tree cavities and may join mixed-species flocks in winter.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

active and alert

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly or in pairs during the breeding season, maintaining small territories centered on suitable cavities. Nests in natural holes or old woodpecker cavities, lining them with soft materials. Outside the breeding season, often joins mixed-species foraging flocks moving through the mid to upper canopy.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Calls are sharp, ringing whistles and nasal yank-like notes typical of nuthatches. The song is a series of clear, repeated notes that can carry through montane forest.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

White-tailed ptarmigan

The white-tailed ptarmigan, also known as the snow quail, is the smallest bird in the grouse tribe. It is a permanent resident of high altitudes on or above the tree line and is native to Alaska and the mountainous parts of Canada and the western United States. Its plumage is cryptic and varies at different times of the year. In the summer it is speckled in gray, brown and white whereas in winter it is wholly white. At all times of year the wings, belly and tail are white. The white-tailed ptarmigan has a diet of buds, leaves, flowers and seeds. The nest is a simple depression in the ground in which up to eight eggs are laid. After hatching, the chicks soon leave the nest. At first they eat insects but later move on to an adult diet, their mother using vocalisations to help them find suitable plant food. The population seems to be stable and the IUCN lists this species as being of "Least Concern".

White-tailed robin

The white-tailed robin is an Old World flycatcher in the family Muscicapidae. It ranges across the northern regions of the Indian subcontinent and adjacent areas of Southeast Asia. It is found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.

White-tailed shrike

The white-tailed shrike is a small passerine bird from the family Platysteiridae. It is also known as the chatshrike or ground batis. It occurs only in western Angola and Namibia in thorn scrub. It forages from ground level, where it hops about in large bounds and upright posture, to 25m above ground, scanning for insects. The very short tail, with a small black mark at the tip of the central two feathers, is always carried down, never sticking up. Its range of calls includes loud ringing territorial whistles.