Nuthatch - description, habitat, interesting facts

Sparrow-haired genus includes many species of feathered representatives. But one noisy bird should pay special attention. This is a nuthatch. The bird is distributed in North America, as well as the European and Asian continents. For all species is characterized by external similarity. The differences are in the nature of the color range of plumage and habitat. The anatomical structure of the legs of a bird is designed in such a way that they have a good ability to move not only along a tree trunk, but even along a wall.

It is somewhat unusual to watch a nuthatch running upside down on a wall. It is hard to disagree with the fact that this is not often seen. The bird attaches with its feet to a thin branch and hangs quietly upside down.

general description

The bird is characterized by a dense build with a large head on the body. A short neck connects the head with the body. Nature rewarded the bird with its chick-shaped beak.With the help of a strong straight beak, it rather well hews trees. The body is covered with loose plumage. It has a different color. At the top it is gray. The color of the abdomen is very varied. It can be in different colors with different shades, ranging from pale yellow and pumping with a chestnut color scheme.

The head is characterized by the presence of a cap formed by dark feathers. The tail has contrasting white and black spots. Young people in comparison with adult birds have similar external data, but differs in more dull plumage. In length, the body can reach 10 cm, and the mass does not exceed 10 g. There are gigantic creeps, the dimensions of which have more significant dimensions.

By the way she gets her food, the nuthatch is like a woodpecker. Insects are removed from under the bark. The bird hollows a tree, and at this time it uses the tail as a support. The bird sits on a tree quite firmly. This helps her strong legs with the presence of sharp claws. But not only the trees inhabit the bird. Sometimes it can descend to the ground to study the litter.

For some birds, the preparation of food for the winter is typical. They hide seeds in different crevices and remember this place well. This bird does in case of bad weather, when finding food is quite problematic.

Prevalence

The distribution of bird prevalence can be observed in the northern hemisphere, but it is most pronounced on the Asian continent. In European territory, they are distributed almost everywhere. This species can be found in all zones with a temperate climate. The habitats of some species of this feathered representative are North Africa, Algeria and Morocco.

Mostly impressed with the territory with a cool climate.Those that belong to the northern representatives are located on the flat terrain, and for the southern species, the mountains are preferable. In the total mass of birds are not prone to long flights. Only sometimes their bird life is associated with minor migrations.

Birds live in forests with coniferous trees, mountains, and foothills. Some representatives are found in the forests of hardwood trees.

Characteristics of the species of nuthatch

This genus includes a large number of species of the feathered kingdom.

1. Nuthatch common. The species is represented by a small, very mobile bird, with a body length of a little more than 14 cm and a mass of 25 g. The bird has a massive body build, a large head with a position on a relatively short neck. The body is covered with thick and fluffy plumage. Color is determined by the habitat. In the upper part is usually gray color. In the southern areas the body is red-tinged with a white chin. Birds with a white belly and red coloring of the sides live in the northern regions. The species is characterized by the presence of a long and straight beak. The wings are small, round shape. The body ends with a short straight tail. The bird has very strong legs.The sizes of males are more significant in size in comparison with representatives of female individuals.
2. Baby nuthatch. The length of the bird does not exceed 10 cm, and the weight does not exceed 10 g. The color of feathers is characterized by a bluish-gray tint. The body has a whitish tummy. There is a white spot on the occipital region. For habitat prefers coniferous forests. Found in the territory from the west of the United States to the central regions of Mexico.
3. Corsican nuthatch. This species can be found in the endemic areas of Corsica. The body does not exceed 12 cm in length. It passes into a small head with a short beak. On the back plumage with a bluish-gray color. The abdomen is gray or white. The male is characterized by the presence of dark crown and bridle, while in the female they are gray. Juveniles have dull plumage, and by this they differ from adult individuals.
4. Blackhead view. Also the hallmark of this species is the presence of a red chest. The body is 12.5 cm in length. The anatomical structure is characterized by the presence of small head sizes. Beak small size. The body has a bluish plumage.The abdomen is off-white, and the chest is characterized by the presence of a red spot. Black color is typical for the crown.
5. Canadian nuthatch. From the name it is not difficult to guess that the habitat is Canada. In addition, the bird is found in Alaska. The belly on the body is reddish. Face with white color and black stripes on the eyes. The bill has a gray color.
6. Przewalski Nuthatch. The bird has a small body length not exceeding 13 cm. The head is with a dark nape. Body with a purple color. There are red shades of the breast and sides. It is found in China. It prefers forests with coniferous trees located high in the mountains.
7. Caroline view. It is found in the territories of North America. The body in length reaches 18 cm. Body weight can reach 40 g.
8. Small rocky (rocky) view. According to external signs has a great similarity with the usual nuthatch. Loves to be on the rocks. In addition, the bird loves to be on the cliffs.
9. Large rocky (rocky) view. The species is represented by a small bird with a body length of up to 16 cm and a mass of 55 g. The belly area is white, and the back with gray plumage.
10. Blackfoot nuthatch. It is not difficult to guess that this species has a black spot on the forehead. The body does not exceed 12.5 cm in length. There is a blue-violet plumage on the back. The male has black eyebrows, which cannot be seen in the female. Juveniles are characterized by dull coloration. Preferred habitat in evergreen forests.

Differences between female and male individuals

Breeding features

The place of nest formation is a hollow. Birds in it carefully lay the grass and leaves. In addition, they also use bark, moss, wool and feathers when nesting. Most of the birds themselves do not hollow out the hollow in the tree, but use the existing education. But some do it themselves. Do not forget about the precautions. For this, masking of the entrance to the hollow is carried out using earth and clay.

Nuthatch refers to typical monogamy. Birds become capable of fertilization in the first year of life. The female incubates from 4 to 14 eggs.They are spotted with a reddish or yellow color. Hatching lasts for 12-18 days. The body of chicks is covered with down. Feeding the chicks is carried out by both parents. The ability to fly chicks acquire by day 25. But the first time away from their parents, they do not fly away. After a few weeks, they begin an independent bird life.

Video: Nuthatch (Sitta europaea)