From Opus

Alternative name: Kabylie Nuthatch; Kabylian Nuthatch

Sitta ledanti

[edit] Identification

13.5cm long. A medium-sized nuthatch.

• Blue-grey above
• Buff below
• Black crown and eyestripe separated by a white supercilium
  

The female has a grey crown and eyestripe.
Young birds are duller versions of the adults.

[edit] Similar species

Very similar to Corsican Nuthatch but only forecrown black not whole crown.

[edit] Distribution

North-eastern Algeria (Petite Kabylie mountain region).
Restricted-range species with a small population. Discovered as recently as 1975.

[edit] Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species.
Recent DNA studies suggest that is most closely related to Krüper's Nuthatch, Corsican Nuthatch, Chinese Nuthatch and Red-breasted Nuthatch.

[edit] Habitat

Relict stands of montane oak-cedar forests. Highest densities above 1900m.

[edit] Behaviour

[edit] Diet

Feeds probably mostly on insects and spiders. In winter takes seeds and nuts. Stores seeds.

[edit] Breeding

Breeding season in May, probably single-brooded. It makes its nests in holes, usually in old pines, either self-excavated or old woodpecker nests. No information on clutch size.

[edit] Movements

A resident species.

[edit] References

1. Clements, JF. 2011. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to August 2011. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/downloadable-clements-checklist
2. Del Hoyo, J, A Elliott, and D Christie, eds. 2008. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 13: Penduline-tits to Shrikes. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8496553453

• List of references

[edit] External Links