Birdwatching in Thailand: Nuthatch (Sitta formosa)

The beautiful nuthatch (Sitta formosa) is a striking and rare bird species from the family of nuthatches (Sittidae) and occurs sporadically in Thailand. This bird is endemic to southwestern China, where it is mainly found in Yunnan, Sichuan, and Tibet provinces. The beautiful nuthatch inhabits temperate deciduous forests, coniferous forests and mixed forests at elevations between 1.500 and 3.900 meters above sea level.

The Splendid Nuthatch is distinguished by its striking appearance. It has a length of about 13-14 centimeters and displays a beautiful plumage with a striking color combination of blue, white and maroon. The head, neck and upper back are bright blue, while the throat, chest and underparts are white. The wings are maroon with white and blue markings, and the tail is blue with black bands. Both sexes have similar plumage colours, but the male often has a more intense blue on the head and nape.

The Splendid Nuthatch is an agile and active bird, moving quickly and skillfully through the treetops in search of food. Its diet consists mainly of insects, larvae and spiders, but it also eats seeds and nuts. Like other nuthatches, the Splendid Nuthatch can climb both up and down tree trunks and branches, thanks to their strong legs and sharp claws.

The breeding season of the beautiful nuthatch runs from April to June. During the breeding season, the pair build a nest in the hollows of trees, often narrowing the entrance with mud to better protect the nest from predators. The female usually lays 3-5 eggs, which she incubates for about two weeks.

The beautiful nuthatch is classified as "Near Threatened" on the IUCN Red List, mainly due to its restricted distribution and the continued degradation of its habitat through deforestation and logging. Preserving its habitat and raising awareness about this rare and beautiful bird species are essential to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to admire the beautiful nuthatch.