Yunnan Nuthatch

The Yunnan nuthatch (Sitta yunnanensis) is a diminutive avian, averaging 12 centimeters in length and tipping the scales between 7.5 and 13 grams. Its upperparts are a striking grey-blue, providing a stark contrast to its smooth, buffy lowerparts. A fine white eyebrow sits above a black eyestripe, which is particularly prominent when the plumage is fresh. This species shows a modest degree of sexual dimorphism.

Identification Tips

When observing the Yunnan nuthatch, look for its blue-grey upperparts and the distinctive white eyebrow that extends to the forehead, sitting above a black eyestripe. The underparts are a pale, pinkish buff. The beak is slender and pointed, and the bird's irises are dark brown. The legs and feet are a gray-brown hue. Males and females are similar, though the female may have a less intense eyestripe and duller underparts.

Habitat

The Yunnan nuthatch is partial to sparsely forested pine forests and tends to avoid dense spruce and fir forests. It can be found at various altitudes, from valleys to mountainous regions.

Distribution

This species is endemic to Southwest China, with its presence mainly recorded in the prefectures of Yunnan, Sichuan, and Guizhou. It is a sedentary bird, not known for extensive migrations.

Behaviour

The Yunnan nuthatch is a fairly noisy bird, often heard before it is seen. It is known to feed on insects found on pine branches, displaying a preference for these habitats.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the Yunnan nuthatch includes simple, nasal sounds such as "nit," "kni," "tit," "pit," and a low "toik." Calls are often repeated in rapid succession, forming a series of sounds that can be heard echoing through its pine forest home.

Breeding

Details on the breeding habits of the Yunnan nuthatch are scarce. However, it is known that a female close to laying was collected in early March, and fledglings have been observed by late May.

Similar Species

The giant nuthatch shares its habitat with the Yunnan nuthatch but is significantly larger and lacks the white eyebrow. The chestnut-vented nuthatch, closer in size, can be distinguished by its reddish flanks and absence of white eyebrows.

Diet and Feeding

While not extensively documented, the Yunnan nuthatch is known to subsist on insects, which it adeptly plucks from pine branches.

Conservation Status

The Yunnan nuthatch is classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. It is generally rare but can be locally common within its small range of 170,000 square kilometers. Habitat destruction poses a significant threat, and climate change predictions suggest a potential decrease in population by up to 47.7% between 2040 and 2069.