The Caspian tit is a passerine bird in the tit family. It breeds in the deciduous mountain forests with its core population concentrated in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran, just extending into Azerbaijan. It is considered one of the most range-restricted tit species.
Region
South Caspian region (Iran and Azerbaijan)
Typical Environment
The Caspian tit is confined to the humid Hyrcanian broadleaf forests fringing the south and southwest shores of the Caspian Sea. It inhabits mature deciduous woods dominated by beech, hornbeam, oak, and alder, often where there is abundant deadwood. It favors dense understory and forest edges and occasionally uses orchards or wooded ravines near villages. Outside the breeding season it may roam locally but remains within continuous woodland tracts.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Hyrcanian tit, it is one of the most range-restricted members of the tit family. It is closely related to the marsh and willow tits but favors humid, ancient deciduous forests along the south Caspian. Pairs often excavate their own nest cavities in very rotten wood. Conservation assessments currently consider it not at immediate risk, though its habitat is limited.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; low, bounding flights through dense understory
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs during the breeding season and small family groups afterward. It nests in cavities, often excavating in very decayed wood or using natural holes. Clutches are laid on a bed of moss, hair, and plant fibers; both parents feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, sweet whistles interspersed with nasal notes. Calls include soft scolding ‘tchay’ and sharp ‘pit’ contact notes, often delivered from cover.
Plumage
Compact tit with a glossy black-brown cap and nape, clean whitish cheeks, and a small black bib. Upperparts are warm brown, and underparts are buff to brownish with slightly darker flanks. Wings lack bold panels and appear dusky brown with subtle edging.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and spiders during spring and summer, gleaning from leaves, twigs, and bark. In autumn and winter it adds seeds, beechnuts, and other plant matter. It may cache food in bark crevices for later use and readily exploits deadwood for invertebrates.
Preferred Environment
Forages in mid-story and understory of mature deciduous forest, especially around deadwood and mossy trunks. Uses forest edges and clearings and may visit orchards or wooded gardens adjacent to natural forest.
