- Machlolophus xanthogenys
Identification
13–14 cm (5-5½ in)
- Broad black line (wider in the male) down yellow front
- Black: large crest, neck, throat and head
- Yellow cheeks and supercilia
- Olive-green upperparts
- Two yellowish wingbars
- White outer tail feathers
Females and young birds are drabber.
Distribution
In the Himalayas from northern Pakistan to India and at least eastern Nepal.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species.
It was formerly considered conspecific with Indian Black-lored Tit.
Formerly placed in the genus Parus.
Habitat
Open subtropical oak or pine forest, second growth, scrub and gardens.
Occurs from 1000 - 2300m in summer, lower in winter.
Behaviour
Diet
The diet includes insects and spiders from the canopy, and sometimes fruit.
Breeding
Apart from excavating its own, they will utilise woodpecker or barbet holes for their nest. The clutch consists of 3 to 5 red-spotted white eggs.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2018. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2018. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Rasmussen, PC and JC Anderton. 2005. Birds of South Asia: The Ripley Guide. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8487334672
- Avibase
- Wikipedia
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2021) Black-lored Tit. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 29 April 2021 from https://www.birdforum.net/wiki/Black-lored_Tit
External Links
