Pygmy Nuthatch

The Pygmy Nuthatch, Sitta pygmaea, is a diminutive songbird, a mere 10 centimeters in length and weighing approximately 10 grams. It is characterized by a warm gray cap, blue-gray upper-parts, and whitish underparts. A distinctive feature, though not always visible, is a whitish spot on the nape, particularly noticeable in worn plumage during the summer months.

Identification Tips

When observing the Pygmy Nuthatch, look for its small size, with a length of 3.5–4.3 inches and a wingspan of 7.8 inches. The bird's weight ranges from 0.3 to 0.4 ounces. Its plumage remains consistent throughout the year, with all individuals sharing the same coloration.

Habitat

This species is typically found in coniferous forests, showing a preference for pines, especially ponderosa pines, Douglas-firs, and other conifers.

Distribution

The Pygmy Nuthatch's range extends from southern British Columbia through various discontinuous parts of the western United States, including the northwest, the Sierra Nevada range, the southern Rockies, and down to central Mexico.

Behaviour

Highly gregarious by nature, the Pygmy Nuthatch exhibits fascinating social behavior. A nesting pair may be assisted by other birds, and outside of breeding season, they form noisy flocks. They are also known for communal roosting, with over 100 birds observed huddling together in a single tree cavity.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the Pygmy Nuthatch is quite varied, consisting of chirps, peeps, and chattering sounds.

Breeding

Nesting occurs in cavities within dead conifer stubs, with the interior lined with soft materials such as pine-cone scales, plant down, and other plant and animal matter. The female lays a clutch of 4–9 white eggs, speckled with fine reddish-brown spots, and incubates them for about 16 days. The fledglings leave the nest approximately 22 days post-hatching.

Similar Species

The Pygmy Nuthatch bears a close resemblance to the brown-headed nuthatch found in the southeastern United States, although their ranges do not overlap.

Diet and Feeding

These birds are acrobatic feeders, foraging on insects and seeds within the foliage of coniferous trees. They also exhibit behavior akin to their larger nuthatch relatives, creeping along limbs and trunks.

Conservation status

The Pygmy Nuthatch is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population without significant threats at this time.