Lien vers l'Inventaire National du Patrimoine Naturel INPN
De nouvelles données récemment publiées ont permis de revoir l’évaluation Liste rouge nationale de la Sittelle corse (Sitta whiteheadi). En effet, un article publié en 2011 dans Bird Conservation International par Thibault et al. indique que la population de cette espèce, endémique de Corse, est inférieure à 10 000 individus et qu’un déclin continu de sa population est observé. Les causes de ce déclin sont les feux et l’exploitation forestière des pins de Corse. Suite à la connaissance de ces nouveaux éléments, et à la sollicitation de l’avis des experts membres du comité de validation pour la Liste rouge des oiseaux de métropole, l’espèce est désormais classée dans la catégorie « vulnérable » sur les critères C1+2a(ii).
Unidentified nuthatch in Siberian Altay in July 2006
Unidentified nuthatch in Siberian Altay in July 2006.
Dutchbirding 29: 162, 2007
John T Smit, Wolvenstraat 62, 3512 CH Utrecht, Netherlands (jtsmit planet.nl)
Theo Zeegers, Eikenlaan 24, 3768 EV Soest, Netherlands (th.zeegers xs4all.nl)
Esther van den Heuvel, Eikenlaan 24, 3768 EV Soest, Netherlands (e.vdheuvel xs4all.nl)
Bas Roels, Rembrandtkade 57-1, 3583 TR Utrecht, Netherlands (broels xs4all.nl)
In the summer of 2006, Esther van den Heuvel, Bas Roels, John Smit and Theo Zeegers participated in an entomological expedition to the Altay mountains in southern Siberia, more or less on the crossing of China, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Russia. At one of our campsites, at an altitude of c 2000 m up in the Aktru valley in the central Chuiskiy range, we saw a small nuthatch Sitta which resembled, in our frame of reference, Corsican Nuthatch S whiteheadi. Of course, we knew that this was impossible but with nothing more than a European field guide (Heinzel et al 1996) at hand, we were not able to identify it properly.
The place where we observed the nuthatch was: Aktru, south of Karay, at 2000 m above sea level (50°05’12.2’’ N, 87°46’59.4’’ E), Kosh-Arachskiy Rajon, Respublika Altay, southern Siberia, Russia. This site is a valley at the end of two glaciers, and more or less at the timberline, c 100 km from the Mongolian border. The forest was a pure stand of larch Larix.
Because it turned out that a pair of this nuthatch was breeding in a larch, we saw the species repeatedly. The two were sexually dimorphic: the male had a black cap, whereas the female had no black cap; both had a distinct dark eye-stripe and a white supercilium. These are exactly the features of Chinese Nuthatch S villosa (cf Harrap & Quinn 1996). The underparts, however, showed relatively little buff coloration, as compared with typical villosa.
The only nuthatch species with a distribution that is known to include southern Siberia is Eurasian Nuthatch S europaea (Harrap & Quinn 1996). However, the clear black cap in the male as well as the white supercilium in both sexes and the small size exclude Eurasian.
According to Nazarenko (2006), the distributional area of Chinese Nuthatch is situated somewhere between 33-45° N and 100-133° E. Its breeding range is quite patchy. If the nuthatch we observed was indeed Chinese, then this would be a breeding record far outside its known breeding range. Another possibility is that our nuthatch could represent a new, undescribed Sitta species. At this moment, based on our field observation, this remains an open question. Either way, the discovery of a breeding pair of Sitta (cf) villosa in the Russian part of the Altay mountains remains a surprising discovery and requires further investigations.
Interestingly, nuthatches have something of a reputation when it comes to remaining undiscovered for a long time; the two most recently described new species for the Western Palearctic were both nuthatches: Corsican Nuthatch (described in 1883) and Algerian Nuthatch S ledanti (described in 1976).
Dutchbirding 29: 162, 2007
John T Smit, Wolvenstraat 62, 3512 CH Utrecht, Netherlands (jtsmit planet.nl)
Theo Zeegers, Eikenlaan 24, 3768 EV Soest, Netherlands (th.zeegers xs4all.nl)
Esther van den Heuvel, Eikenlaan 24, 3768 EV Soest, Netherlands (e.vdheuvel xs4all.nl)
Bas Roels, Rembrandtkade 57-1, 3583 TR Utrecht, Netherlands (broels xs4all.nl)
In the summer of 2006, Esther van den Heuvel, Bas Roels, John Smit and Theo Zeegers participated in an entomological expedition to the Altay mountains in southern Siberia, more or less on the crossing of China, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Russia. At one of our campsites, at an altitude of c 2000 m up in the Aktru valley in the central Chuiskiy range, we saw a small nuthatch Sitta which resembled, in our frame of reference, Corsican Nuthatch S whiteheadi. Of course, we knew that this was impossible but with nothing more than a European field guide (Heinzel et al 1996) at hand, we were not able to identify it properly.
The place where we observed the nuthatch was: Aktru, south of Karay, at 2000 m above sea level (50°05’12.2’’ N, 87°46’59.4’’ E), Kosh-Arachskiy Rajon, Respublika Altay, southern Siberia, Russia. This site is a valley at the end of two glaciers, and more or less at the timberline, c 100 km from the Mongolian border. The forest was a pure stand of larch Larix.
Because it turned out that a pair of this nuthatch was breeding in a larch, we saw the species repeatedly. The two were sexually dimorphic: the male had a black cap, whereas the female had no black cap; both had a distinct dark eye-stripe and a white supercilium. These are exactly the features of Chinese Nuthatch S villosa (cf Harrap & Quinn 1996). The underparts, however, showed relatively little buff coloration, as compared with typical villosa.
The only nuthatch species with a distribution that is known to include southern Siberia is Eurasian Nuthatch S europaea (Harrap & Quinn 1996). However, the clear black cap in the male as well as the white supercilium in both sexes and the small size exclude Eurasian.
According to Nazarenko (2006), the distributional area of Chinese Nuthatch is situated somewhere between 33-45° N and 100-133° E. Its breeding range is quite patchy. If the nuthatch we observed was indeed Chinese, then this would be a breeding record far outside its known breeding range. Another possibility is that our nuthatch could represent a new, undescribed Sitta species. At this moment, based on our field observation, this remains an open question. Either way, the discovery of a breeding pair of Sitta (cf) villosa in the Russian part of the Altay mountains remains a surprising discovery and requires further investigations.
Interestingly, nuthatches have something of a reputation when it comes to remaining undiscovered for a long time; the two most recently described new species for the Western Palearctic were both nuthatches: Corsican Nuthatch (described in 1883) and Algerian Nuthatch S ledanti (described in 1976).
Back from a Predicted Climatic Extinction of an Island Endemic: A Future for the Corsican Nuthatch
Barbet-Massin M, Jiguet F (2011) Back from a Predicted Climatic Extinction of an Island Endemic: A Future for the Corsican Nuthatch. PLoS ONE 6(3): e18228. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0018228
Abstract:
The Corsican Nuthatch (Sitta whiteheadi) is red-listed as vulnerable to extinction by the IUCN because of its endemism, reduced population size, and recent decline. A further cause is the fragmentation and loss of its spatially-restricted favourite habitat, the Corsican pine (Pinus nigra laricio) forest. In this study, we aimed at estimating the potential impact of climate change on the distribution of the Corsican Nuthatch using species distribution models. Because this species has a strong trophic association with the Corsican and Maritime pines (P. nigra laricio and P. pinaster), we first modelled the current and future potential distribution of both pine species in order to use them as habitat variables when modelling the nuthatch distribution. However, the Corsican pine has suffered large distribution losses in the past centuries due to the development of anthropogenic activities, and is now restricted to mountainous woodland. As a consequence, its realized niche is likely significantly smaller than its fundamental niche, so that a projection of the current distribution under future climatic conditions would produce misleading results. To obtain a predicted pine distribution at closest to the geographic projection of the fundamental niche, we used available information on the current pine distribution associated to information on the persistence of isolated natural pine coppices. While common thresholds (maximizing the sum of sensitivity and specificity) predicted a potential large loss of the Corsican Nuthatch distribution by 2100, the use of more appropriate thresholds aiming at getting closer to the fundamental distribution of the Corsican pine predicted that 98% of the current presence points should remain potentially suitable for the nuthatch and its range could be 10% larger in the future. The habitat of the endemic Corsican Nuthatch is therefore more likely threatened by an increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires or anthropogenic activities than by climate change.
Abstract:
The Corsican Nuthatch (Sitta whiteheadi) is red-listed as vulnerable to extinction by the IUCN because of its endemism, reduced population size, and recent decline. A further cause is the fragmentation and loss of its spatially-restricted favourite habitat, the Corsican pine (Pinus nigra laricio) forest. In this study, we aimed at estimating the potential impact of climate change on the distribution of the Corsican Nuthatch using species distribution models. Because this species has a strong trophic association with the Corsican and Maritime pines (P. nigra laricio and P. pinaster), we first modelled the current and future potential distribution of both pine species in order to use them as habitat variables when modelling the nuthatch distribution. However, the Corsican pine has suffered large distribution losses in the past centuries due to the development of anthropogenic activities, and is now restricted to mountainous woodland. As a consequence, its realized niche is likely significantly smaller than its fundamental niche, so that a projection of the current distribution under future climatic conditions would produce misleading results. To obtain a predicted pine distribution at closest to the geographic projection of the fundamental niche, we used available information on the current pine distribution associated to information on the persistence of isolated natural pine coppices. While common thresholds (maximizing the sum of sensitivity and specificity) predicted a potential large loss of the Corsican Nuthatch distribution by 2100, the use of more appropriate thresholds aiming at getting closer to the fundamental distribution of the Corsican pine predicted that 98% of the current presence points should remain potentially suitable for the nuthatch and its range could be 10% larger in the future. The habitat of the endemic Corsican Nuthatch is therefore more likely threatened by an increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires or anthropogenic activities than by climate change.
Distribution and population size of the Corsican Nuthatch Sitta whiteheadi
THIBAULT J.-C., HACQUEMAND D., MONEGLIA P., PELLEGRINI H., PRODON R., RECORBET B., SEGUIN J.-F., VILLARD P. 2011. Distribution and population size of the Corsican Nuthatch Sitta whiteheadi. Bird Conservation International, 1-8.
Abstract:
Endemic to the island of Corsica in the western Mediterranean, the Corsican Nuthatch Sitta whiteheadi only occupies mature stands of Corsican Pine Pinus nigra laricio which cover a very small area. We present estimates of the distribution and population size of the Corsican Nuthatch, based on both field investigation and analysis of vegetation maps for the 103 county and municipality forests identified. Between spring 1997 and summer 2008, 48 forests were systematically investigated to map nuthatch territories, requiring 20 months of fieldwork. In the 55 forests not explored, we estimated the number of territories from analysis of digital maps with a calculated mean density from six spot-mapping censuses previously made in mature forests. The total estimated number was estimated to be 1,557-2,201 territories, distributed across 45 forest fragments (5 group of connected stands) totalling 185 km2. At distances varying from 250 m to 16 km from each other, fragments were separated by unfavourable vegetation (shrubs, trees other than pines) or rocky outcrops. The area of these fragments varied from seven to 3,159 ha. Of the 45 fragments, 19 held fewer than 10 nuthatch pairs, 20 had 10–99 territories, and only six had more than 100 territories. We suggest that nuthatch numbers have declined by 10% in the past 10 years because of a reduction in suitable habitat due to fires and logging. The Corsican Nuthatch currently fulfils the criteria established by IUCN to qualify as ‘‘Vulnerable’’.
Abstract:
Endemic to the island of Corsica in the western Mediterranean, the Corsican Nuthatch Sitta whiteheadi only occupies mature stands of Corsican Pine Pinus nigra laricio which cover a very small area. We present estimates of the distribution and population size of the Corsican Nuthatch, based on both field investigation and analysis of vegetation maps for the 103 county and municipality forests identified. Between spring 1997 and summer 2008, 48 forests were systematically investigated to map nuthatch territories, requiring 20 months of fieldwork. In the 55 forests not explored, we estimated the number of territories from analysis of digital maps with a calculated mean density from six spot-mapping censuses previously made in mature forests. The total estimated number was estimated to be 1,557-2,201 territories, distributed across 45 forest fragments (5 group of connected stands) totalling 185 km2. At distances varying from 250 m to 16 km from each other, fragments were separated by unfavourable vegetation (shrubs, trees other than pines) or rocky outcrops. The area of these fragments varied from seven to 3,159 ha. Of the 45 fragments, 19 held fewer than 10 nuthatch pairs, 20 had 10–99 territories, and only six had more than 100 territories. We suggest that nuthatch numbers have declined by 10% in the past 10 years because of a reduction in suitable habitat due to fires and logging. The Corsican Nuthatch currently fulfils the criteria established by IUCN to qualify as ‘‘Vulnerable’’.
COOPERATIVE BREEDING IN THE BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH
COX J. A., SLATER G. L. 2007. COOPERATIVE BREEDING IN THE BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH. The Wilson Journal of Ornithology 119(1):1-8.
Abstract:
We monitored two color-marked populations of the Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla) for ≥5 years and collected data on survival, dispersal, territoriality, and cooperative breeding. Adults (n = 284) were sedentary, maintained long-term pair bonds, and had higher apparent annual survival (66–78%) than previously reported. Territories monitored (n = 347) contained up to five adults; the percentage of territories containing >2 adults averaged 20% but varied widely. Most groups with >2 adults consisted of a breeding pair and a male helper related to at least one breeding adult (n = 8), but several exceptions were noted. The presence of helpers did not improve nest productivity. Apparent annual survival for females was lower than apparent survival for males in one population and may have influenced cooperative breeding. In the other population, apparent survival was similar between males and females. We suggest food resources and other environmental factors may have influenced cooperative breeding in this setting.
Abstract:
We monitored two color-marked populations of the Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla) for ≥5 years and collected data on survival, dispersal, territoriality, and cooperative breeding. Adults (n = 284) were sedentary, maintained long-term pair bonds, and had higher apparent annual survival (66–78%) than previously reported. Territories monitored (n = 347) contained up to five adults; the percentage of territories containing >2 adults averaged 20% but varied widely. Most groups with >2 adults consisted of a breeding pair and a male helper related to at least one breeding adult (n = 8), but several exceptions were noted. The presence of helpers did not improve nest productivity. Apparent annual survival for females was lower than apparent survival for males in one population and may have influenced cooperative breeding. In the other population, apparent survival was similar between males and females. We suggest food resources and other environmental factors may have influenced cooperative breeding in this setting.
Behavior and habitat use of the Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla) in an urban environment
Herb Jr, A. J. 1999. Behavior and habitat use of the Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla) in an urban environment. M.A. Thesis. Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX.
Orthoskrjabinia rostellata (Cestoidea: Dilepididae), from the brown-headed nuthatch, sitta pusilla (Passeriformes: Sittidae), from Northeastern Texas
MCALLISTER C. T., BURSEY C. R. 2003. Orthoskrjabinia rostellata (Cestoidea: Dilepididae), from the brown-headed nuthatch, sitta pusilla (Passeriformes: Sittidae), from Northeastern Texas. The Texas journal of science, (55)2: 189-191.
Abstract:
The dilepidid tapeworm, Anonchotaenia rostellata (Rodgers 1941) was described from 13 specimens taken from the small intestine of a northern cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis (Linnaeus) collected at Stillwater, Payne County, Oklahoma, in the spring of 1940 (Rodgers 1941). In 1948, A. rostellaza was transferred to the genus Orthoskrjabinia and is the only North American representative of that genus (see Schmidt 1986). To the authors' knowledge, Rodgers (1941) is the only report of this tapeworm.
This study reports the results of an examination of two brown-headed nuthatches, Sitta pusilla Latham and C. cardinalis.
Abstract:
The dilepidid tapeworm, Anonchotaenia rostellata (Rodgers 1941) was described from 13 specimens taken from the small intestine of a northern cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis (Linnaeus) collected at Stillwater, Payne County, Oklahoma, in the spring of 1940 (Rodgers 1941). In 1948, A. rostellaza was transferred to the genus Orthoskrjabinia and is the only North American representative of that genus (see Schmidt 1986). To the authors' knowledge, Rodgers (1941) is the only report of this tapeworm.
This study reports the results of an examination of two brown-headed nuthatches, Sitta pusilla Latham and C. cardinalis.
Relationships Between Habitat and Snag Characteristics and the Reproductive Success of the Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla) in Eastern Texas
Dornak L. L., Burt D. B., Coble D. W., Conner R. N. 2004. Relationships Between Habitat and Snag Characteristics and the Reproductive Success of the Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla) in Eastern Texas. Southeastern Naturalist (9)4: 683-694.
Abstract:
Habitat use and reproductive success of the Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla Latham) were studied in East Texas during the 2001–2002 breeding seasons. We compared nest cavity selection at used and randomly selected non-used areas. Height of nest trees, midstory density, and percent leaf litter were negatively correlated with nest site selection. Brown-headed Nuthatches showed a strong preference for short snags; yet placed their nest cavity entrances near the top of the snags. While nuthatches may be selecting for habitats with little or no midstory density, percent of leaf litter in the nest sites is most likely the consequence of frequent burning. No significant differences among habitat variables and snag characteristics were found between successful and failed nest cavities. Additionally, no habitat variables were correlated with the number of chicks fledged per nest. Predation was the major cause of nest failure in this study.
Abstract:
Habitat use and reproductive success of the Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla Latham) were studied in East Texas during the 2001–2002 breeding seasons. We compared nest cavity selection at used and randomly selected non-used areas. Height of nest trees, midstory density, and percent leaf litter were negatively correlated with nest site selection. Brown-headed Nuthatches showed a strong preference for short snags; yet placed their nest cavity entrances near the top of the snags. While nuthatches may be selecting for habitats with little or no midstory density, percent of leaf litter in the nest sites is most likely the consequence of frequent burning. No significant differences among habitat variables and snag characteristics were found between successful and failed nest cavities. Additionally, no habitat variables were correlated with the number of chicks fledged per nest. Predation was the major cause of nest failure in this study.
Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla)
Ghalambor C. K., Martin T. E. 1998. Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla) . The Birds of North America, no. 349, 24 pp.
his species account discusses: distinguishing characteristics, distribution, systematics, migration, habitat, food habits, vocalizations, behavior (locomotion, maintenance, agonistic, sexual, social, interspecific), breeding (phenology, nest site, nest, eggs, incubation, development of the young, parental care), demography and populations (life span, mortality, dispersal and philopatry, population status), conservation and management, plumages and molt, and measurements. There is also a bibliography which lists key references for additional information.
Descriptors: Article Subject Terms Conservation | Demography | Diets | Ecological distribution | Feeding behavior | Life history | Migration | Reproduction | Reproductive behavior | Vocalization behavior | Article Taxonomic Terms Sitta pusilla
his species account discusses: distinguishing characteristics, distribution, systematics, migration, habitat, food habits, vocalizations, behavior (locomotion, maintenance, agonistic, sexual, social, interspecific), breeding (phenology, nest site, nest, eggs, incubation, development of the young, parental care), demography and populations (life span, mortality, dispersal and philopatry, population status), conservation and management, plumages and molt, and measurements. There is also a bibliography which lists key references for additional information.
Descriptors: Article Subject Terms Conservation | Demography | Diets | Ecological distribution | Feeding behavior | Life history | Migration | Reproduction | Reproductive behavior | Vocalization behavior | Article Taxonomic Terms Sitta pusilla
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)
Ghalambor C. K., Martin T. E. 1999. Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis). The Birds of North America, no. 459, 28 pp.
This species account discusses: distinguishing characteristics, distribution, systematics, migration, habitat, food habits, vocalizations, behavior (locomotion, maintenance, agonistic, spacing, sexual, social and interspecific), predation, breeding (phenology, nest site, nest, eggs, incubation, development of young, parental care, brood parasitism), demography and populations (measures of breeding activity, life span, mortality, dispersal and philopatry, population status), conservation and management, plumages and molt, measurements, and priorities for future research. There is also a bibliography which lists key references for additional information.
Descriptors: Article Subject Terms Agonistic behavior | Breeding | Conservation | Demography | Diets | Dispersal | Feeding behavior | Habitat preferences | Interspecific relationships | Life history | Migration | Philopatry | Predation | Reproductive behavior | Social behavior | Vocalization behavior | Article Taxonomic Terms Sitta canadensis
This species account discusses: distinguishing characteristics, distribution, systematics, migration, habitat, food habits, vocalizations, behavior (locomotion, maintenance, agonistic, spacing, sexual, social and interspecific), predation, breeding (phenology, nest site, nest, eggs, incubation, development of young, parental care, brood parasitism), demography and populations (measures of breeding activity, life span, mortality, dispersal and philopatry, population status), conservation and management, plumages and molt, measurements, and priorities for future research. There is also a bibliography which lists key references for additional information.
Descriptors: Article Subject Terms Agonistic behavior | Breeding | Conservation | Demography | Diets | Dispersal | Feeding behavior | Habitat preferences | Interspecific relationships | Life history | Migration | Philopatry | Predation | Reproductive behavior | Social behavior | Vocalization behavior | Article Taxonomic Terms Sitta canadensis
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