The African blue tit is a species of bird in the family Paridae. It is found in northern Africa, Pantelleria (Italy) and the Canary Islands (Spain). Its natural habitat is temperate forests. This species and the Eurasian blue tit were formerly considered conspecific. The status of this species has not been assessed because it is noted to be common on the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. The species has been used in many research studies due to its island populations and relevance to evolutionary hypotheses.
Region
North Africa and Canary Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs from coastal scrub and orchards to native woodlands across parts of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, on Pantelleria (Italy), and throughout the Canary Islands. It frequents laurel forests, Canarian pine forests, Mediterranean evergreen oak, and mixed scrub, and readily uses gardens and parks. On islands it is often especially common in mid-elevation woodland mosaics. It is generally sedentary, with birds remaining near breeding territories year-round.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2300 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The African blue tit was long treated as conspecific with the Eurasian blue tit but is now recognized as a separate species with several island and North African subspecies. It is a favorite model for evolutionary and island biogeography studies due to its isolated populations on the Canary Islands and Pantelleria. Despite local variation in color and size, it retains the classic blue-and-yellow tit appearance and active foraging behavior.
Canary Islands races
Ranges of the Canary Islands races of African blue tit Green: teneriffae Brown: palmensis Blue: ombriosus Purple: hedwigii Yellow: degener
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically monogamous, nesting in cavities in trees, walls, or nest boxes and lining nests with soft materials. Outside the breeding season it often joins small flocks and mixed-species foraging parties. Pairs defend small territories during breeding and show high site fidelity.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A bright, high-pitched series of tinkling notes and trills, often delivered rapidly and repeated. Calls include sharp scolding ‘tsee-tsee’ and thinner contact notes used within foraging groups.
