[2] It has some notable differences from its closest relative, the brown-headed nuthatch (S. pusilla), including a darker brown facial stripe, a longer bill, shorter wings, and a unique warbling call.

[3] A 2020 study found further evidence for it being a distinct species, finding significant vocal differences based on voice recordings and a notable genetic difference from the brown-headed nuthatch that was even larger than that of some birds unanimously considered distinct species from their mainland relatives, such as the Bahama warbler (Setophaga flavescens) compared the yellow-throated warbler (S.

Due to its very restricted range, it is highly threatened by habitat destruction and degradation, fires, and hurricane damage.

Invasive species such as the corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus), raccoon (Procyon lotor), house sparrows (Passer domesticus) and common starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) may have also played a role in its decline.

Almost all of the pine forest on Grand Bahama was logged in the 1950s but portions have since regenerated, and the species was reported as locally common in surveys in 1969 and 1978.