About Sitta neumayer Michahelles, 1830
The western rock nuthatch, with the scientific name Sitta neumayer, is a small passerine bird. Its breeding range extends from Croatia eastward through Greece and Turkey to Iran. This species is largely non-migratory, with only some post-breeding dispersal taking place. The eastern rock nuthatch, Sitta tephronota, is a distinct separate species that lives further east in south-central Asia. Western rock nuthatches are strongly associated with habitats containing bare rocks, particularly in mountainous regions. Populations living at the highest altitudes will typically move to lower elevations during winter. In summer, the western rock nuthatch feeds primarily on insects and spiders; in winter, this diet is supplemented with seeds and snails. It forages on the ground, and will wedge larger food items into rock crevices to hammer them open with its strong bill. It is also capable of catching insects in flight. This species measures 13.5 cm in length, making it slightly smaller than the Eurasian nuthatch. It has the characteristics typical of nuthatches: a large head, short tail, and a powerful bill and feet. Compared to most of its close relatives, it has longer legs and a longer bill.
