The black-bibbed tit is a species of bird in the tit family Paridae. It is found from central and eastern China to southeast Tibet and western Myanmar.
Region
Central and southern China and the eastern Himalayas
Typical Environment
Occurs from central and eastern China through Sichuan and Yunnan into southeast Tibet and west to northern Myanmar. It inhabits montane coniferous and mixed broadleaf–conifer forests, including spruce, fir, pine, oak, and rhododendron stands. The species uses forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth and may descend slightly in winter. It is generally a resident with only local altitudinal movements.
Altitude Range
1200–3800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-bibbed tit is a highland tit that favors montane forests and is often found in mixed-species flocks with nuthatches and warblers during the non-breeding season. It is a cavity nester, using natural holes or old woodpecker cavities and lining them with moss and animal hair. Like many tits, it will cache seeds in autumn and retrieve them later, an adaptation to variable mountain climates.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Breeds in pairs and defends small territories; nests in natural cavities, old woodpecker holes, or soft rotten wood it can enlarge. Outside the breeding season it joins small groups and mixed-species foraging flocks. Both sexes participate in nest building and care for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of simple, repeated whistles and thin, sweet notes reminiscent of other Poecile tits. Calls include sharp scolds and thin tsee or tchick notes used for contact and alarm.
Plumage
Small tit with a black head and large black bib, contrasting white cheeks, and grey-brown upperparts. Underparts are pale grey to buff with warmer buff flanks; wings and tail are greyish with subtle pale edging. Overall appearance recalls marsh/willow tits but with a more extensive bib.
Diet
Takes insects and spiders gleaned from foliage and bark, especially in spring and summer. In autumn and winter it supplements with seeds, nuts, and berries, and may cache food in crevices. It probes twigs and branches methodically and occasionally hovers briefly to pick prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid to upper canopy of conifers and mixed forests, as well as along forest edges and clearings. Often forages in mixed-species flocks, moving rapidly through trees and shrubs.
