Sittidae (Nuthatches) are small passerine birds found in the North hemisphere. They have an ability to climb down trees head first, unlike woodpeckers, which can only go upwards. Nuthatches have relatively big heads, short tails, and strong bills and feet. Their distinctive shape is readily recognizable as nuthatches if one has been seen. Sittidae are omnivorous, taking insects, nuts and seeds. Most species are resident. Nests are in holes or crevices. In some species size of the hole is reduced by the building of a mud wall.

The Nuthatch family contains 23 species worldwide; 22 species of 'typical nuthatches' in the subfamily Sittinae and a single species, the Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria) in subfamily Tichodromadinae. Eight species of Sittidae are found in India.

Kashmir Nuthatch  (Sitta cashmirensis) - local resident
Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch  (Sitta castanea) - widespread resident
Beautiful Nuthatch  (Sitta formosa) - local resident
Velvet-fronted Nuthatch  (Sitta frontalis) - widespread resident
White-tailed Nuthatch  (Sitta himalayensis) - local resident
White-cheeked Nuthatch  (Sitta leucopsis) - local resident
Chestnut-vented Nuthatch  (Sitta nagaensis) - local resident
Wallcreeper  (Tichodroma muraria) - local resident & widespread winter visitor