Reciprocal allopreening in the Brownheaded Nuthatch

In his extensive reviews of allopreening, Harrison (1965, 1969) did not record this behavior for the Sittidae, nor did Kilham (1968, 1972, 1973) mention observing this behavior in either White-breasted (Sitta carolinensis) or Red-breasted (S. canadensis) nuthatches. Norris (1958: 187), however, mentioned the occurrence of allopreening in Brown-headed Nuthatches (S. pusilia), in passing. Here we relate our observations of reciprocal allopreening between two Brown-headed Nuthatches.