Afghanistan (B) (NB), Bhutan, China (mainland), India, Nepal, Pakistan.
North-eastern Afghanistan (Nuristan south to northern slopes of Safed Koh and Paktia province), and Himalayas from northern Pakistan (south to Kurram valley and Murree Hills) east to Kashmir and northern India (northern Himachal Pradesh, northern Uttaranchal Pradesh east to Kumaon), and north-western Nepal (Langu valley, L Rara and Dolpo east to Tarakot, on Dhaulagiri massif).
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-cheeked Nuthatch (Sitta leucopsis) [XC547850]
by Sandip das from Lokat Bangus (Little Bangus Valley), Jammu and Kashmir, India (call)
White-cheeked Nuthatch (Sitta leucopsis) [XC817956]
by id from Kinnaur (near Kalpa), Shimla Division, Himachal Pradesh, India (call)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Forms a superspecies with Przevalski's Nuthatch (Sitta przewalskii) and until recently considered conspecific, but separated on basis of significant morphological and vocal differences. Sometimes thought to be closely related to White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) and has been treated by some authors as conspecific with it, the contact calls of the two being rather similar; has also been allied with the "Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) group" and, again, some similarity with latter in vocalizations. However, given the close similarity of all the medium-small nuthatches precise relationships obscure, and comprehensive genetic studies required.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet