JungleDragon is a nature and wildlife community for photographers, travellers and anyone who loves nature. We're genuine, free, ad-free and beautiful.

Join

Varied Sittella - Daphoenositta chrysoptera At first glance a foraging Varied Sittella may appear to behave rather like a treecreeper as it probes crevices in the bark of trees for insects and other invertebrates while scurrying about the branches and trunks. However, closer observation shows that sittellas spiral head-first down the trunks of trees, while treecreepers spiral up the trunks. There is much variation in the appearance of sittellas throughout their range, in mainland Australia &mdash; they appear so different that in years gone by many of them were treated as separate species.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.birdlife.org.au/bird-profile/varied-sittella" rel="nofollow">https://www.birdlife.org.au/bird-profile/varied-sittella</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/201378111" rel="nofollow">https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/201378111</a> Australia,Daphoenositta chrysoptera,Geotagged,Varied sittella,Winter Click/tap to enlarge Promoted

Varied Sittella - Daphoenositta chrysoptera

At first glance a foraging Varied Sittella may appear to behave rather like a treecreeper as it probes crevices in the bark of trees for insects and other invertebrates while scurrying about the branches and trunks. However, closer observation shows that sittellas spiral head-first down the trunks of trees, while treecreepers spiral up the trunks. There is much variation in the appearance of sittellas throughout their range, in mainland Australia — they appear so different that in years gone by many of them were treated as separate species.

https://www.birdlife.org.au/bird-profile/varied-sittella

https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/201378111

    comments (7)

  1. What would be the advantage of spiraling down? Posted 4 years ago
    1. Surprising the insects that were on lookout for treecreepers coming up LOL Posted 4 years ago, modified 4 years ago
      1. hehe, that may actually be true. Posted 4 years ago
  2. Fantastic angle of this really interesting bird Posted 4 years ago
    1. Thanks you Posted 4 years ago
  3. Incredible shot as usual Niel, and a great description as well! Posted 4 years ago
    1. Thanks Wesley Posted 4 years ago

Sign in or Join in order to comment.

The varied sittella is a small, around 10–11 cm long, songbird native to Australia. It is also known as the Australian nuthatch, orange-winged sittella and the barkpecker.

Similar species: Perching Birds
Species identified by Calbost Niel
View Calbost Niel's profile

By Calbost Niel

Attribution
Uploaded Aug 16, 2021. Captured Aug 3, 2021 13:42 in Dantes Glen Walking Track, Lawson NSW 2783, Australia.
  • NIKON D7100
  • f/6.3
  • 1/320s
  • ISO320
  • 500mm