Black-throated Bushtit
- In older sources, "Black-throated Tit" can also mean the Rufous-naped Tit or the Rufous-vented Tit, which are true tits.
| Black-throated Bushtit | |
|---|---|
_-on_branch.jpg) |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Aegithalidae |
| Genus: | Aegithalos |
| Species: | A. concinnus |
| Binomial name | |
| Aegithalos concinnus (Gould, 1855) |
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The Black-throated Bushtit {Aegithalos concinnus), also known as the Black-throated Tit, is a very small passerine bird in the family Aegithalidae.
Contents |
[edit] Taxonomy
The species has six currently recognised subspecies, and several others have been suggested. Genetic studies have suggested that these subspecies may represent separate species, but further research is needed.[2]
[edit] Description
The Black-throated Bushtit is a small passerine, around 10.5 cm long and weighing 4-9 g.[2] There is considerable racial variation in the plumage, but all subspecies have a medium length tail (as opposed to the long tail of the related Long-tailed Tit), a black throat and a black 'bandit mask' around the eye. The nominate race has a chestnut cap, breast band and flanks and dark grey back, wings and tail, and a white belly. The other subspecies have generally the same pattern (minus the chest band) but with grey caps or all grey bellies and flanks. Both sexes are alike.
[edit] Distribution and habitat
It ranges from the foothills of the Himalayas in Pakistan and northern India through large areas of southern China, northern Burma and Vietnam, and Taiwan.[2] Disjunct populations also occur in southern Vietnam and the island of Hainan. It lives in open broadleaf forest as well as pine forest, generally occurring in middle altitudes.
[edit] Behaviour
The Black-throated Bushtit is highly social and will travel in large flocks of up to 40 birds.[2]
[edit] Breeding
The nest is constructed out of moss and lichen and hangs from the branches of trees.
[edit] Feeding
The species feeds on small insects and spiders, as well as small seeds, fruits and berries (particularly raspberries). Group numbers swell during the non-breeding season, but smaller groups exist year round. These groups will often join mixed-species feeding flocks.
[edit] References
- ^ BirdLife International (2004). Aegithalos concinnus. 2006. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. www.iucnredlist.org. Retrieved on 2007-04-26.
- ^ a b c d Harrap, Simon (2008), "Family Aegithalidae (Long-tailed Tits)", in Josep, del Hoyo; Andrew, Elliott; David, Christie, Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 13, Penduline-tits to Shrikes, Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, ISBN 978-84-96553-45-3
[edit] Gallery
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At West Himalayan Fir carrying feed for chicks in Kullu-Manali Distt. of Himachal Pradesh, India.
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Bathing in Kullu- Manali District of Himachal Pradesh, India.
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Perching on a branch
