Pygmy nuthatch?

[L&J LENTZ <LJL@ETINTERNET.NET>]

The cat killed a bird today, and I am certain it is a pygmy nuthatch.  It
is just like the one pictured in Sibley, but not like the one in National
Geographic Guide which has a dark grey, almost black head.  
We've had Brown Headed Nuthatches practically year 'round, and had many in
the trees and feeders today, so I am very familiar with them.
This bird is grey with a few tiny white feathers showing in the bend of the
wing. Has a light tawny breast and underside, and the light spot on the
nape.  No brown anywhere on it's head.

I see that the pygmy NH is a western bird, but I don't know how often they
appear in NC.

Please comment.


Lucille Lentz
Ellerbe, NC
ljl@etinternet.net