The dusky tit is a species of bird in the tit family Paridae. It is native to the African tropical rainforest.
Region
Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Congo Basin and adjacent regions, primarily in lowland tropical moist forest. It uses both primary and well-developed secondary rainforest, forest edges, and gallery forest along rivers. The species forages from the understory to the mid-canopy and tolerates lightly logged forests. It generally avoids open habitats away from forest cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The dusky tit is a small, dark tit of Central Africa’s lowland rainforests, where it forages nimbly through foliage and vines. It often joins mixed-species flocks with greenbuls and other insectivores, helping it find prey and avoid predators. Like other tits, it nests in tree cavities and shows inquisitive, acrobatic behavior while feeding.
Dusky Tit
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Commonly travels in pairs or small family groups and frequently participates in mixed-species flocks. Pairs maintain small territories and communicate with soft contact calls. Nests are usually in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes, with a small clutch tended by both parents.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The voice is a series of thin, high-pitched whistles and rapid scolding notes, often delivered in short bursts while foraging. Contact calls are sharp and chip-like; songs are simple and repetitive compared to some temperate tits.
Plumage
Sooty-brown to blackish overall with slightly paler brown underparts; feathers often show faint pale edging giving a soft scaled look. Wings and tail are dark with subtle dull gray-brown panels; undertail can be a shade lighter. Overall appearance is uniformly dusky with minimal contrast.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other small arthropods, including caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and bark and may hover briefly to pick hidden items. Occasional small fruits or seeds may be taken when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages in forest understory to mid-canopy, particularly in tangles, saplings, and vine-laden edges. Often accompanies mixed flocks along forest trails, clearings, and riparian corridors.
