This small, almost tailless bird has a brown head with pale face, a disproportionately long bill, gray wings and back and buffy and gray underparts. Distinguished from Pygmy Nuthatch, which only occurs in western pine forests, by more chestnut-brown head, larger pale spot on nape and larger size.

Length: 11 (cm) Wingspan: 20 (cm)

Voice:

Nasal noises; kew-dee. Sharp tik. Flocks make chirpy, twittery, tit tit tit noises.

Habitat:

Pine forests. Prefers mature woods with dead trees and periodic fires; also found in young stands.

Behavior:

Forages actively, far out on limb, often hanging upside down. Uses tools, like bark, to chip off bark to access insects.

Feeding:

Diet consists of insects, spiders and pine seeds.