Pygmy Nuthatch

The smallest and perhaps the least noted of the three nuthatch species common in Sonoma County, the others being Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) and White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis). According to Brinkley, the smallest nuthatch in the world. Found mostly in coniferous trees in the mountains and foothills of our coast range. Breeds in coastal areas of northern Sonoma County. Often forms small, loose flocks (5-20 birds). Often in association with other small woodland birds such as Oak Timouse (Baeolophus inornatus), Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens), Hutton’s Vireo (Vireo huttoni), Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata), kinglets, and the like. Feeds on conifer seeds, insects, and spiders, often foraging high in trees.

Small, active bird that looks like a miniature version of the White-breasted Nuthatch--although with notable differences in coloring. Greyish cap with a dark eyeline just below the cap, showing no color between. Face white beneath the eyeline. Throat white. Pale belly washed with buff. White underbelly and vent. Slatey blue-grey back and dark cap give the bird an overall dark look from above but paler at the nape. Sharp, pointed bill.

The three nuthatches can be distinguished by size--White-breasted being much the largest of the three, Pygmy Nuthatch the smallest of the three; by color--White-breasted is the whitest-looking, Red-breasted the reddest, Pygmy is two-toned (dark above, pale below); and by facial pattern--White-breasted is white-cheeked and with white above the eye, Red-breasted face looks striped (dark eyeline set off by white above and below), Pygmy face is all dark above the eyeline, all white below (see photos below). Vocalizations are distinctive (links below).

English synonyms: Black-eared Nuthatch, Californian Nuthatch, Nevada Nuthatch, White-naped Nuthatch (none of these regularly used in Sonoma County)

Pygmy Nuthatch in other languages--German: Zwergkleiber, Spanish: Saltapalo enano, Saltapalos Enano, Sita Enana, Sita Pigmea, Trepador Enano, French: Petite Sittelle, Sittelle pygmée, Italian: Picchio muratore pigmeo

Dutch: Dwergboomklever, Kleine Boomklever, Russian: Поползень-крошка, Japanese: ヒメゴジュウガラ (himegojuugara), ヒメゴジュウカラ (himegojuukara), Chinese: 小䴓

(Language information from Avibase, Birds of Europe (Mullarney et al, Princeton Field Guide Series), and Birds of Asia (Mark Brazil, Princeton Field Guide Series).