The elegant tit is a species of bird in the tit family Paridae endemic to the Philippines. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forests and tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Philippine archipelago
Typical Environment
Endemic to the Philippines, occurring on Luzon and several nearby islands in both lowland and montane forests. It favors tropical moist forest, mossy forest, pine and oak patches, and mature secondary growth, and often uses forest edges and clearings. Birds forage from understory to canopy and will venture into adjacent gardens near forest. While adaptable, it still relies on tree cover for nesting and feeding.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The elegant tit is a small Philippine endemic that resembles a miniature great tit, with bold white cheek patches and bright yellow underparts. It readily joins mixed-species flocks and is an active gleaner of caterpillars and other insects, helping control forest pests. The species tolerates secondary growth and forest edges, though it remains most common in well-forested uplands. Several island subspecies vary subtly in tone and markings.
ssp. montigenus feeding on a Tussock moth caterpillar in Baguio, Philippines
A juvenile Elegant Tit
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding arcs
Social Behavior
Often travels in pairs or small family groups and regularly joins mixed-species foraging flocks with other forest passerines. Breeding pairs are territorial around nest sites, typically using natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes and lining them with soft fibers. Both parents feed the nestlings and defend the nest vigorously.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, ringing whistles and repeated tee-tee or tsi-tsi notes, delivered in lively phrases. Calls include sharp scolds and thin contact notes used to maintain flock cohesion.
