Yellow-billed Nuthatch

The yellow-billed nuthatch is a small, striking canopy nuthatch about 12.5–13.5 cm long. Bright blue upperparts contrast with soft grey underparts, while the purplish face is crossed by a narrow black eyebrow and forehead. A vivid yellow bill and matching eye-ring are diagnostic. Its compact body, short tail and strong feet suit the characteristic nuthatch habit of clinging to trunks and branches in varied orientations (eBird species account; Wikipedia nuthatch account).

Restricted to southern China, Laos and Vietnam, it inhabits tropical and subtropical evergreen forest, particularly in wooded hills and valleys. Birds travel in pairs or small groups and sometimes join mixed-species flocks. They usually work through the middle levels and canopy, examining bark, branches and foliage while giving a dry, brisk call. The species' limited regional range, bright bill and blue-and-grey plumage separate it from the browner and more widespread nuthatches sharing Vietnamese forests (eBird species account; Wikipedia, general species account).