Western Rock-nuthatch

Sitta neumayer

(S. n. rupicola)

Armenian Name:	Ժայռային փոքր սիտեղ

See Plate 53 for Western Rock-nuthatch and other similar species

Resident Status:	Year-round resident
Abundance:	Common
Length:	13.5-14.5 cm, Wing Span:23-25 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 302.
Description:	Blue-gray upperparts and tail; white underparts with pale orange undertail coverts. Long even-width black eyestripe and pale-based black bill.
Similar Species:	Differs from Eastern Rock-Nuthatch by smaller size, shorter thinner bill, whitish flanks, and black eyestripe which does not broaden behind the eye.
Behavior:	Noisy with piping song. Hops with short jerky leaps among rocks and scrub. Often flicks wings and tail.
Habitat:	Arid sloping rock outcrops, cliffs, gorges; trees in winter.
Food:	Invertebrates, seeds, fruits.
Nest:	Rounded structure of mud and beetle remnants with entrance extension; on cliff face or rock crevice.
Eggs:	21 mm, 5-10, white, red-brown blotches.