Unremarkable-looking nuthatch with a highly restricted range. Found in hill and montane forests; favors coniferous-dominated forest types. Slaty-gray with dark “extended mask” stripe and buffy-orange underparts (paler in female). Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch can be similar; note Kashmir’s pale throat, paler underparts, and unbarred vent in all plumages. Calls include a tortured-sounding nasal scream.