The cinereous tit or Asian tit is a species of bird in the tit family Paridae. This species is made up of several populations that were earlier treated as subspecies of the great tit. These birds are grey backed with white undersides. The great tit in the new sense is distinguishable by the greenish-back and yellowish underside. The distribution of this species extends from parts of West Asia across South Asia and into Southeast Asia. The Japanese tit was formerly treated as a separate species but is now lumped together with the cinereous tit.
Region
South and Southeast Asia and parts of West Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from parts of Iran and Afghanistan through Pakistan and the Indian subcontinent to Myanmar and Indochina. It inhabits open woodlands, forest edges, scrub, gardens, parks, and cultivated areas, often near human settlements. The species avoids dense, unbroken rainforest but thrives in mosaic habitats and secondary growth. It is a cavity nester and will occupy natural holes, crevices, and artificial nest boxes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The cinereous tit is part of the great tit complex and was formerly treated as conspecific with the great tit; taxonomy still varies among authorities. It adapts readily to human-altered landscapes and readily uses nest boxes and other cavities. Compared with the great tit sensu stricto, it has a grey back and clean whitish underparts rather than olive and yellow.
Head pattern
Cinereous tit in Kadigarh National Park, Bhaluka, Mymensingh District, Bangladesh.
A bird using its feet to hold food
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it forages in pairs or small, loose flocks, often joining mixed-species parties. It nests in cavities in trees, walls, or nest boxes and lines the nest with soft materials. Pairs are territorial during breeding and both sexes feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, repetitive two-note tee-cher or tee-tee-cher song, delivered from exposed perches. Scolding calls are sharp chips and rattling churrs used in alarm and during mixed-flock interactions.
Plumage
Smooth grey upperparts with contrasting black head, throat, and breast band; underparts clean whitish to pale grey. Wings show pale edging; tail dark with whitish outer feathers.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders gleaned from foliage and bark. Also takes seeds, buds, and small fruits, especially outside the breeding season. Will visit feeding stations for nuts and suet where available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper canopy of trees and shrubs, along edges, hedgerows, and gardens. Frequently uses mixed-species flocks in wooded and semi-open habitats and is comfortable near human habitation.
