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Sitta neumayer (Rock Nuthatch / Kaya Sıvacı Kuşu)

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Sitta neumayer (Rock Nuthatch / Kaya Sıvacı Kuşu)


Sitta neumayer (Rock Nuthatch / Kaya Sıvacı Kuşu) from Pamukkale, DENİZLİ - 28.06.2009.

The Western Rock Nuthatch or Rock Nuthatch is a small passerine bird which breeds from Serbia east through Greece and Turkey to Iran. This nuthatch is largely resident apart from some post-breeding dispersal. The Eastern Rock Nuthatch Sitta tephronota is a separate species, which occurs further east in south-central Asia.

The Rock Nuthatch is a bird associated with habitats with bare rocks, especially in mountainous areas. Those at the highest altitudes may move lower down in winter. It feeds on insects and spiders in summer, supplemented with seeds and snails in winter. It feeds on the ground, and will wedge larger items in rock crevies while it hammers them open with its strong bill. It will also flycatch.  The Rock Nuthatch is 13.5cm long, slightly smaller than Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea) and has the typical nuthatch big head, short tail and powerful bill and feet. It is long-legged and long-billed compared to most of its relatives.

The race S. n. neumayer of southeast Europe is dark grey above, and has a long strong black eyestripe. It has a white throat and underparts shading to buff on the belly. Sexes are similar, and young birds are slightly duller versions of the adults. Two other races in the west of its Asian range are similar but less well marked.

S. n. tschitscherini of western Iran is paler grey above and has a much weaker eyestripe. S.n. plumbea of southern Iran resembles tschitscherini, but has grey underparts.

This territorial species builds a flask-shaped nest from mud, dung and hair or feathers in a rock crevice, cave, or under an overhang on a rock face. Decorative items may be pushed into crevices and cracks near the entrance to the nest. The nest is lined with softer materials and the entrance is sealed with mud. 4-10 eggs are laid, and are white speckled with yellow. The Rock Nuthatch has a tsik call and a trilled tui tui tui song. It is common in suitable habitat in most of its range.

References: 1. Perrins, C. & Attenborough, D. (1987). Collins New Generation Guide to the BIRDS of Britain and Europe. William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd., Glasgow, 320 pp. 2. Wikipedia.


Author Bayram GÖÇMEN
Created on Sunday 28 June 2009
Posted on Thursday 03 February 2011
Tags Denizli, TURKEY / TÜRKİYE
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