Beautiful Nuthatch

The Beautiful Nuthatch (Sitta formosa) is a striking bird, adorned with a black and azure upper body, punctuated by white and pale blue streaks on the head and similar hues lining the wing feathers. Its underparts boast a vibrant orange, while the eyebrow and throat are tinged with ochre. An irregular, dark eyestripe accentuates its eye, adding to the bird's dramatic appearance. This large nuthatch measures approximately 16.5 cm (6.5 inches) in length.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Beautiful Nuthatch, look for its distinctive coloration: black and azure on the upper parts, with an orange underside. The head features white and pale blue streaks, and the wings have white-edged black feathers forming narrow bars. The bird's eye is highlighted by a dark eyestripe, and the underwing contrasts sharply with gray undertail-coverts. There is no sexual dimorphism, so males and females appear similar.

Habitat

The Beautiful Nuthatch is found in montane forests, preferring evergreen or semi-evergreen environments. It can be seen from the interior to the outskirts of these forests, and occasionally in open areas with scattered trees.

Distribution

This species is native to the eastern Himalayas and scattered sites across Southeast Asia. Its range extends from the northeast of India through Bhutan, parts of Burma, northern Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and southeastern China.

Behaviour

The Beautiful Nuthatch forages alone or in small groups, often joining mixed-species flocks. It searches for food along tree trunks and epiphyte-laden branches, moving in a head-first manner typical of nuthatches. The bird is known for its unhurried foraging style and can sometimes be seen hanging upside down while inspecting its surroundings.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Beautiful Nuthatch are not well documented, but its song is described as "low and sweet in tone." Its call is typical of nuthatches, resembling that of the Eurasian nuthatch but less strident.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from April to May. Nests are constructed in tree holes using plant material and fur, often from bamboo rats. The entrance may be reduced with mud if too large. The species typically lays four to six white, red-speckled eggs.

Similar Species

While the Beautiful Nuthatch's plumage is unique, it may invite comparison to other blue-tinted nuthatches like the Blue Nuthatch (S. azurea) or the Velvet-fronted Nuthatch (S. frontalis). However, its distinct coloration and distribution set it apart.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists of small insects and larvae found on tree trunks and branches. The bird pecks at trunks and epiphytes in search of prey, sometimes feeding on the outermost branches or larger limbs of trees like the Fokienia evergreen.

Conservation status

Classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, the Beautiful Nuthatch is rare and localized within its range. Its population is in decline due to habitat loss from deforestation and logging, particularly of trees like the Fokienia, which are valuable for both foraging and nesting.