Black-eared nuthatch

Pygmy Nuthatches nest in cavities in dead stubs of conifers, lining the bottom of the cavity with pine-cone scales, plant down, and other soft plant and animal materials. They may fill cracks or crevices around the entrance with fur; the function of this behavior is unknown. The female lays 4–9 eggs, which are white with fine reddish-brown spotting. She does most of the incubation, which lasts about 16 days. The young leave the nest about 22 days after hatching.

The Black-eared nuthatch is classified as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.

The black-eared nuthatch is a mountain bird, breeding in the Tran- sition Zone at elevations from 3,500 to 10,000 feet in various parts of its range. Its distribution seems to coincide very closely with that of the yellow pine, where it is generally common and often really abun- dant. In the San Bernardino Mountains, Dr. Grinnell (1908) found it "most numerous in the lower Transition zone, in the Jeffrey and yellow ping belt. More