Elegant Tit

Overview

The elegant tit (Periparus elegans) is a small bird belonging to the tit family Paridae, found exclusively in the Philippines. It is a fairly common species that demonstrates tolerance for disturbed habitats across most of the islands.

Identification

• Small bird with a glossy blue-black crown, throat, and upper breast on males, appearing duller on females.
• Yellow face, lower breast, and belly, with a black nape featuring a distinct yellow spot.
• Black mantle marked with white spots and black tail feathers edged with white on the lower half.
• Black bill in adults that may have a grey base, contrasting with yellowish-orange bills in immature birds.

Habitat

Endemic to the Philippines, the species ranges across most of the archipelago's islands. It inhabits tropical moist lowland and montane forests, extending up to 2,480 meters above sea level.

Diet

Dietary habits are not well documented but include insects, seeds, and fruit. The bird is typically observed foraging in pairs, small groups, or mixed-species flocks containing birds such as white-eyes, sunbirds, and leaf warblers.

Did you know?

Breeding patterns are obscure, with evidence suggesting the species breeds almost year-round as juveniles have been recorded from March to November. Nests are constructed from moss placed inside holes in hollow trees.