The eastern rock nuthatch Sitta tephronota is a separate species, which occurs further east in south-central Asia.

It feeds on the ground, and will wedge larger items in rock crevices while it hammers them open with its strong bill.

The race S. n. neumayer of southeast Europe is dark grey above, and has a long strong black eyestripe.

Sexes are similar, and young birds are slightly duller versions of the adults.

Pliny the Elder believed that it was these birds that inspired man to build homes of earth in imitation of the western rock nuthatch's nests.