Bhutan, China (mainland), India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Vietnam.
North-western Himachal Pradesh (Chamba) east in Himalayas to north-eastern India (north-eastern Arunachal Pradesh, also from Nagaland south in hills to southern Mizoram) and western and north-eastern Myanmar, also adjacent parts of southern China (southern Xizang, western Yunnan). Also north-western Vietnam (Fan Si Pan, in north-western Tonkin). Single records from eastern Myanmar (near Kengtung, in southern Shan State) and northern Laos (Tranninh plateau) possibly refer to non-breeding visitors.
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010).
White-tailed Nuthatch (Sitta himalayensis) [XC473057]
by Peter Boesman from NW of Pangot, Uttarakhand, India (song)
White-tailed Nuthatch (Sitta himalayensis) [XC812935]
by Lars Lachmann from Polangpati, Rasuwa, Bagmati Province, Nepal (song)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Affinities within genus uncertain. Formerly considered conspecific with White-browed Nuthatch (Sitta victoriae) on grounds of common character of white in central tail feathers, but otherwise morphologically distinct and both occur on Mt Victoria (Myanmar), although probably separated altitudinally. Suggested also as being close to Pygmy Nuthatch (Sitta pygmaea) and Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla), and relationship with these two supported by possibility that partners may duet. Alternatively, strongly developed black eyestripe and uniform undertail-coverts may indicate affinity with Yunnan Nuthatch (Sitta yunnanensis). Birds from Lushai Hills (Mizoram), in north-eastern India, described as subspecies lushaiensis on basis of somewhat paler underside, but variation slight and naming of geographical subspecies considered unwarranted.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet