Indian Black-lored Tit

Overview

The Indian black-lored tit, also known as the Indian tit or Indian yellow tit (Machlolophus aplonotus), is a passerine bird in the tit family Paridae. It is a resident breeder on the Indian subcontinent, where it is a common inhabitant of open tropical forests.

Identification

• Large for its group at 13 cm, with a prominent large crest.
• Distinctive yellow front marked by a broad black line, which is wider in males.
• Black head, neck, and throat contrasted with bright yellow cheeks and supercilia.
• Olive-green upperparts with two white or yellowish wingbars and white outer tail feathers.
• Vocal bird with a large variety of calls, notably a familiar 'si-si' and a song resembling 'chi-chi-chi'.

Habitat

Found in open tropical forests across the Indian subcontinent, though it does not occur in Sri Lanka. The underpart colour becomes increasingly dull from north to south through its range.

Diet

An active and agile feeder, it forages for insects and spiders in the canopy and sometimes consumes fruit.

Did you know?

The species will utilise woodpecker or barbet holes for nesting, but will also excavate its own hole or use man-made sites. The bird is a close sitter and hisses when disturbed.