In the matter of bird diversity, India ranks high. Of the total 9700 species worldwide, India has about 1300. Of these 142 are endemic to our country. Here we see a Velvet-fronted Nuthatch or Sitta Frontalis, a passerine bird from Sittidae family of Passeriformes order under the class Aves.

The Velvet-fronted Nuthatch is a very active and restless forest bird, which does not relax while searching for food on tree branches. Like a small mouse and unlike woodpeckers it can climb up and down the branches.

The nests of Velvet-fronted Nuthatches are built inside small tree hollows using fine green moss which is what the bird in the video is collecting. The preferred habitats of Velvet-fronted Nuthatches are open evergreen forests, though it is found inhabiting all types of woods.

The Velvet-fronted Nuthatch feeds on insects and spiders. It has a short tail, powerful bill and feet. It has the colour of violet-blue with pale purple coloured cheeks. The average length of a Velvet-fronted Nuthatch is 12.5 centimetres. The IUCN red list of threatened species declares this bird as of ‘Least Concern’.

Courtesy: http://birdwingtours.com/