Przevalski's Nuthatch

Przevalski's nuthatch is a bird species in the family Sittidae, collectively known as nuthatches. Long regarded as a subspecies of the white-cheeked nuthatch, it nevertheless differs significantly in morphology and vocal behaviour. Both S. przewalskii and S. leucopsis have been regarded in the past as closely related to the North American white-breasted nuthatch, but this is not supported by modern genetic research. It is a medium-sized nuthatch, measuring about 13 cm (5 in) in length. Its upper body is a dark grey-blue or slate colour, becoming dark blue-black at the crown. The cheeks and throat are a pale buff-orange, turning to a rich cinnamon on the underparts that intensifies on the sides of the breast. The calls consist of alternating series of ascending whistles and short notes.