Nuthatch
Sitta europaea
Length 14cm

Recognised by rounded, short-tailed appearance and habit of descending tree trunks head-downwards, a trait unique in Britain to this species. Has blue-grey upperparts, black eyestripe, white cheeks and orange-buff underparts. Chisel-like bill used to prise insects from tree bark and to hammer open acorns wedged in bark crevices. A woodland species, locally common in Wales and S and C England; scarce further N and absent from Ireland. Has falcon-like call. Nests in tree holes, often plastering entrance with mud to reduce diameter.