(sitta krueperi)
The Kruper's Nuthatch is an elegant nuthatch of the eastern Mediterranean countries and the Caucasus. It has a distinctive large rusty-red patch on its chest. The field guides suggest that it is mostly found in forests at higher altitudes but the birds photographed here were almost at sea level. A reliable and accessible spot for the Kruper's Nuthatch in Turkey is along the road from Dalyan to Iztuzu Beach as it descends down through the pine forest. The 'normal' Eurasian Nuthatch can also be found here.