Malaysian Birds

 Nuthatch

The name "Nuthatch" finds its origin in the bird's distinctive method of opening nuts by wedging them into crevices and then hammering at them. Another well-known behavior is the bird's tendency to move in an upside-down posture, often observed creeping headfirst down tree trunks while searching for insects in cracks and crevices.

The Nuthatch possesses one prominent toe that faces backward, while the other three toes face forward. Resembling a small woodpecker, this plump bird is about the size of the Cinereous Tit, featuring blue and gray coloring on its upper body and whitish plumage below, with chestnut accents on the sides and under the tail.

Old country names for the Nuthatch include "mud dabbler" and "mud stopper," both reflecting the bird's curious habit of plastering mud around the entrances of tree holes. In contrast to the Tree Creeper, which only ascends trees, the Nuthatch is known for its unique ability to move both upward and downward. Despite being one of the noisiest woodland birds, Nuthatches tend to become relatively silent during the breeding season.

Worldwide, there are 24 different species of Nuthatches. Most of these birds exhibit a highly sedentary lifestyle, rarely venturing far from their hatching location.

With Will would Wander