The Varied Sittella (Daphoenositta chrysoptera) was known in the past as the Australian Nuthatch - and it's not hard to see why. For many years the Varied Sittella was classified in the same family as the nuthatches, but now it is considered different enough to have a family all of its own - the Neosittidae, and they are only found in Australasia.
Varied Sittellas come in a number of 'forms' (and there is still debate about classifying the forms as separate species) and this one is the Orange-Winged form. Unlike Nuthatches, Sittellas can be seen in small flocks.
This bird - and there were a few others with it - was rather high in some trees when I took these pictures - and I have to say I am surprised at the results.
The similarity between the Sittellas and Nuthatches is an example of convergent evolution, where two species end up with a set of similar features because they face the same set of challenges. In this case, running up and down tree branches and finding food hidden in the cracks and crevices of bark. I think its remarkable that both of these species have slightly up-turned bills.
Anyway: here are the pictures.
As ever, click on the link below to join in with WBW. SM
Thank you, Stewart
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteDefinitely nuthatchy!!! Pretty wee thing. YAM xx
Wonderful bird captures!
ReplyDeleteAmazing example of convergence with nuthatches. Our local Downy Woodpecker is believed to have evolved to imitate the very similar but much larger Hairy Woodpecker. The subtle survival gains over the eons are beyond imagination. I just happened to have photos of a nuthatch in this week's blog. .
ReplyDeleteThis is a nice example of the subtle differences in the evolutionary tale of two birds facing probably the same challenges. Beautiful captures!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos. You have managed to capture iin that second photo their ability to run down the tree.
ReplyDeleteI have seen this little bird in the past when I visited Australia and it is very difficult to photograph so your photos are superb Stewart. Thanks for hosting and I hope you have a great week ahead.
ReplyDeleteHello Srewart :=)
ReplyDeleteA delightful little bird, and very well captured. I find the nuthatch difficult to photograph, so I appreciate the difficulties you faced when photographing the Sittella.
All the best.
The Wrong picture posted with my link. There are two birds on my post. Your sittella is cute.
ReplyDelete