Kingdom Animalia Order Passeriformes Genus Sitta Higher classification Nuthatch | Phylum Chordata Family Sittidae Scientific name Sitta krueperi Rank Species | |
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Similar Bird, Nuthatch, Western rock nuthatch, Corsican nuthatch, Eastern rock nuthatch | ||
The Krüper's nuthatch (Sitta krueperi) is a small nuthatch. The name commemorates the German naturalist Theodor Johannes Krüper.
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Distribution and habitat
It is found in mainly in Western Asia, where it occurs in Turkey, Georgia, Russia, and on the Greek island of Lesvos. It is associated with Turkish pine (Pinus brutia) forests.
Behaviour
The birds breed from mid March to late June in the pine forests of Antalya, Turkey. They forage in pairs and when one bird finds food, calls for the other to join. Courtship includes ritual feeding of the female by the male. They nest in decayed cavities or woodpecker holes. Only the female incubates the egg while the male feeds it. Males fluff up their feathers and assume a hunched posture when defending their territory. Fledglings are often seen hanging from branches.