The nuthatches are a genus of passerine birds in the family Sittidae, with around 28 species found in Europe, Asia, and North America. The male nominate subspecies, S. e. europaea, has a length of 14 cm (5.5 in) and a wingspan of 22.5–27 cm (8.9–10.6 in). It weighs between 17–28 g (0.6–1 oz). Its upperparts are blue-grey, it has a black eye-stripe, and its throat and underparts are whitish. The flanks and lower belly are orange-red, with white spots on the undertail. Its bill is dark grey, and it has a paler area on the base of the lower mandible. Its iris is dark brown, and its legs and feet are pale brown or greyish. Most other members of the S. e. europaea group differ only