The ashy tit is a species of bird in the family Paridae. It is found in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and dry savanna.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily across Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and northern and western South Africa. Prefers dry savanna, open woodland, and thornveld, especially in acacia and mopane habitats. Frequently uses edges, riverine fringes with scattered trees, and lightly wooded farmland. It tolerates arid conditions and can occur near human settlements where suitable trees remain.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The ashy tit is a small African tit adapted to dry savannas and woodlands, where it forages acrobatically among thorny acacias and mopane. It often joins mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season and nests in natural tree cavities lined with soft plant fibers and hair. Adults have striking pale eyes that contrast with their grey plumage, and they deliver sharp scolding calls when alarmed.
Temperament
active and inquisitive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief, direct dashes between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and regularly joins mixed-species foraging parties. Territorial in the breeding season, nesting in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes lined with plant fibers, hair, and feathers. Both parents participate in provisioning the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, whistled notes interspersed with sharp, scolding chips. Alarm calls are harsh, churring scolds; contact calls are thin tseet notes repeated in quick succession.
Plumage
Overall ashy-grey with slightly paler underparts and clean, smooth plumage; conspicuous pale wing panel formed by white-edged coverts. Lacks the bold black bib typical of some other tits. Tail and wings are darker grey with pale edging.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates, including caterpillars, beetles, spiders, and larvae. Gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and bark, often hanging acrobatically to probe under foliage and into crevices. Will occasionally take seeds or small berries when insects are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages in open woodland and thorn scrub, especially in acacia and mopane trees. Frequently searches along mid-canopy branches and outer foliage and may descend to shrubs and bushy edges.
