Eurasian Nuthatch
Sitta europaea

Nuthatches are small birds that commonly live in deciduous woodlands and parks. They are often seen hopping vertically down tree trunks, unlike the Treecreeper, which does the same, but upwards. There are many species of nuthatches across the world from North America, Europe, North Africa and over much of Asia, but we only get the one in the UK. Nuthatches have an interesting case of convergent evolution with the Varied Sitella of Australia (the name is taken from the scientific name of the Nuthatch) - the two groups are not closely related, but have spent so long in similar ecological niches that they have developed very similar characteristics. 14 cm.
 

Eurasian Nuthatch

Eurasian Nuthatch

Eurasian Nuthatch Eurasian Nuthatch

1-2: Chard Reservoir, Somerset, 21/01/2007.
2: Chard Reservoir, Somerset, 26/04/2006.