Large bill and head, short tail, big feet. Brownish-gray head with dark eye-line, pale face and throat, and large dark bill with limited pale blue lower mandible. Dark gray wings and long, dark primary projection with paler gray and buffy underparts. Short, dark tail. Very similar to Brown-headed nuthatch, which has more chestnut brown cap, larger pale spot on nape and buffier underparts; no range overlap.

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

Voice:

Loud chips and high-pitched squeaks. Loud kip. Flight call weaker wimp wimp.

Habitat:

Dry slope long-leafed pine forests, preferably mature Ponderosa Pine, with snags and dead wood.

Behavior:

Hangs upside down and creeps along in search of food anywhere on tree. Frequently joins flocks of other Pygmy Nuthatches and different species.

Feeding:

Diet consists of seeds, insects and spiders. Visits suet and seed feeders.