A nuthatch is what we call a small songbird with a stiffened tail and a special ability to climb up and down tree trunks. As their name suggests, the velvet-fronted nuthatch is a special kind of nuthatch with a big head and a short tail. It is a very small bird, typically around 13 cm in length. They have a powerful red bill and strong feet. There is a notable black patch on their forehead. Depending on the shade of their under parts and the extent of white on throat, these birds are considered to be of four different varieties.
These birds prefer living in the tree holes of evergreen forests, but can also be found in almost all kinds of woods. They often hunt in groups, mostly for insects in the heights of tall trees. Fallen wood and moss-covered trunks and branches are spots they are also interested in exploring. This tiny bird is very active and is seen moving from tree to tree within short spans of time.
In India, these nuthatches are commonly seen in the foot-hills of Northeastern states. The Western Ghats also host a good number of them. Outside India, they are found in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and China.