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The
nuthatches are a family, Sittidae, of generally very similar
small passerine birds found throughout the Northern hemisphere.
The nuthatch family, Sittidae, traditionally contained
23 species. The subfamily Sittinae held the 22 species
of “true” nuthatches, and the subfamily Tichodromadinae
held a single species, the unique Wallcreeper, Tichodroma
muraria, which is now separated in its own family, Tichodromadidae.
Most nuthatches are woodland birds, although a few species
have adapted to rocky habitats. They have the unusual
ability to climb down trees head first, unlike species
such as woodpeckers which can only go upwards. Nuthatches
have big heads, short tails and powerful bills and feet.
Their shape is distinctive, and all species are recognizable
as nuthatches if one has been seen. They are generally
omnivorous, taking insects, nuts and seeds. Most are resident,
but the Red-breasted Nuthatch migrates from the north
of its range. |
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|
The
nuthatches are a family, Sittidae, of generally very similar
small passerine birds found throughout the Northern hemisphere.
The nuthatch family, Sittidae, traditionally contained
23 species. The subfamily Sittinae held the 22 species
of “true” nuthatches, and the subfamily Tichodromadinae
held a single species, the unique Wallcreeper, Tichodroma
muraria, which is now separated in its own family, Tichodromadidae.
Most nuthatches are woodland birds, although a few species
have adapted to rocky habitats. They have the unusual
ability to climb down trees head first, unlike species
such as woodpeckers which can only go upwards. Nuthatches
have big heads, short tails and powerful bills and feet.
Their shape is distinctive, and all species are recognizable
as nuthatches if one has been seen. They are generally
omnivorous, taking insects, nuts and seeds. Most are resident,
but the Red-breasted Nuthatch migrates from the north
of its range. |
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