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Pygmy Nuthatch

Sitta pygmaea

Photo by DonnaPomeroy
Published on Project Noah
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37.5029, -122.47

Field Notes

Description:

The Pygmy Nuthatch (Sitta pygmaea) is a tiny songbird, about 10 cm (4 inches) long and about 10 grams in weight. It ranges from southern British Columbia south through various discontinuous parts of the western U.S. (northwest U.S., Sierra Nevada range, southern Rockies, etc.), to central Mexico. It is usually found in pines (especially Ponderosa Pines), Douglas-firs, and other conifers. Pygmy Nuthatches clamber acrobatically in the foliage of these trees, feeding on insects and seeds; less often they creep along limbs or the trunk like bigger nuthatches.

Habitat:

Monterey pines and apple trees

Notes:

These little guys are very shy and will only come to the suet feeder when the bigger birds are not around. They often come with small flocks of Chestnut-backed Chickadees.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (2)

Wonderful capture, I didn't realize there were pygmy nuthatches...always love it when I learn something new. Thanks for the information as well.
Very cute bird.

Spotted for Missions

Photographed
PublishedFebruary 26, 2012

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