Blue Nuthatch
A species of Nuthatches Scientific name : Sitta azurea Genus : Nuthatches
Blue Nuthatch, A species of Nuthatches
Botanical name: Sitta azurea
Genus: Nuthatches
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Ayuwat Jearwattanakanok 
Description
The appearance of the blue nuthatch differs significantly from all other nuthatches. The three taxa of the species, nominate S. Azurra and two other subspecies, vary predominantly in the coloring of their mantles, chests and bellies. All are broadly black and white – especially when viewed in low light conditions in which their dark blue coloring is not apparent – but their upper plumage is shot through with dramatic notes of cobalt, azure and other lighter shades of blue, as well as grays and purples. The head is black, or blackish-blue with a broad, pale blue eye ring. The upper parts are dark blue at the mantle or purplish in some subspecies. The rectrices (flight feathers) are pale blue in the middle, with a black border and contrast sharply with the dark areas of the coat. The throat and breast are white, or washed buff, especially in subspecies S. a. nigriventer. The belly and abdomen are blackish, contrasting with blue-gray or purplish coverts. The bill is lavender, slightly tinged with green, and black at the tip; the legs are a pale blue-gray and the claws are slate or black. There is no significant sexual dimorphism, but Japanese ornithologist Nagamichi Kuroda describes the female as having slightly duller upper parts. Juveniles are similar to adults, but with the crown and ear coverts duller, and having a brown cast. The belly is a dull black and the undertail coverts are variably edged a creamy white. The juvenile's bill is blackish, with a pink base. Adults experience a partial moult before the breeding season (February–March for S. expectata; March–April for S. azurea) involving the throat, chest and mantle; a complete moult takes place after the breeding season (March–April and August in Java in Malaysia). The species is of medium size compared with other nuthatches, measuring 13.5 cm (5.3 in) in length. The folded wing measures 75–83 mm (3.0–3.3 in) in males and 75–85 mm (3.0–3.3 in) in females. The tail is 41–45 mm (1.6–1.8 in) in males and from 39.5 mm (1.56 in) to 46 mm (1.8 in) in females. The beak measures from 16.1–17.6 mm (0.63–0.69 in) in length, and the tarsus 15–18 mm (0.59–0.71 in). The weight is not known, but may be comparable to the Algerian nuthatch (Sitta ledanti), which also measures 13.5 cm (5.3 in) long, and weighs between 16.6 g (0.59 oz) and 18 g (0.63 oz). The only nuthatch sharing its range is the velvet-fronted nuthatch, which completely covers the distribution of the blue nuthatch, but these two species are not easily confused. The three subspecies of the blue nuthatch and their distinct morphological characteristics 
Size
13 cm
Feeding Habits
Blue Nuthatch primarily consumes invertebrates, including beetles, spiders, and caterpillars. It forages predominantly in the upper half of large trees, uniquely protecting its eyes with skin contractions. Blue Nuthatch often forages actively in pairs or groups.
Habitat
Blue Nuthatch typically inhabits montane forests, favoring regions that support tall forest growth. These birds are found within a broad geographical range that spans across the Malay Peninsula and the islands of Sumatra and Java, generally preferring forested habitats at varying elevations. The species is sometimes recorded in lowland forests, although such occurrences are infrequent.
Dite type
Insectivorous
General Info
Distribution Area
This species lives in the Malay Peninsula (in extreme southern Thailand and northern Malaysia) and in Indonesia on the islands of Sumatra and Java. In Malaysia, the species has been observed in Bukit Larut, in the state of Perak, in the Titiwangsa Mountains, in southern Hulu Langat, in the state of Selangor, as well as some isolated populations on the slopes of the massive Mount Benom in the state of Pahang, on Mount Tahan located at the Pahang-Kelantan border, on mount Rabong in Kelantan and at Mount Padang in the Sultanate of Terengganu. In Sumatra, the bird is found throughout the Barisan Mountains, and has been observed in the Gayo Highlands of Aceh province, the Batak Highlands of northern Sumata, and at Dempo in the south of the island. In a 1918 expedition by Robinson and Kloss, they commented: "from the commencement of heavy jungle on the valley slopes up to about 8,000 feet on Korinchi Peak this strikingly coloured little Nuthatch was very common, feeding on tall tree trunks in parties of six or seven." The blue nuthatch is typically found on mountains, inhabiting subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. In Malaysia, it is found from 1,070 m (3,510 ft) to the highest point in the country at 2,186 m (7,172 ft). In Sumatra, the species has been reported at an altitudinal range of between 900 m (3,000 ft) and 2,400 m (7,900 ft), and on Java, between 915 m (3,002 ft) and 2,745 m (9,006 ft). Ornithologist John MacKinnon has reported some rare sighting at lower altitudes on the plains of Java.
Species Status
The blue nuthatch is a common bird in Sumatra, including in the area of Kerinci Seblat National Park and relatively common in Malaysia and Java. It has a very wide distribution area, approaching 361,000 km (139,000 sq mi). The population has not been rigorously estimated but is considered significant and at low risk, despite BirdLife International's observation that some decline is likely (but not as yet confirmed) due to known destruction and fragmentation of areas the species is known to inhabit. The blue nuthatch is placed in the category of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Photo By Ayuwat Jearwattanakanok 
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
Nuthatches Genus
Nuthatches Species
Blue Nuthatch 
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