The grey penduline tit, also known as the African penduline-tit, is a species of bird in the family Remizidae. It is found in Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, dry savanna, and moist savanna. At 8 to 9 cm in length and a weight of 6.5 g (0.23 oz), it is one of the smallest species of bird found in Africa, along with its cousin the Cape penduline tit and the perhaps smaller mouse-colored penduline tit and the tit hylia.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Found from eastern and southern Africa into parts of central Africa, inhabiting dry and moist savannas, open woodland, thornveld, and riparian thickets. It favors acacia- and mopane-dominated habitats as well as edges of miombo woodland and bushveld. Rare in dense rainforest and true deserts, it thrives in scrubby, semi-open landscapes with scattered trees. Often near watercourses where riverine bushes provide foraging and nesting sites.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
One of Africa’s smallest birds, the grey penduline tit measures just 8–9 cm and is remarkably agile among thorny shrubs. Like others in its family, it weaves delicate, pendulous, purse-like nests from plant fibers and spider silk, often suspended in acacia or other thornveld. It occurs widely across sub-Saharan savannas and open woodlands and is usually seen in pairs or small family groups.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick, fluttering dashes between shrubs
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species foraging parties. They build intricate, hanging nests from fibers and spider silk, suspended from thin branch tips, and may use thorny settings for protection. Both sexes typically participate in nest construction and care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of very high-pitched, thin tsee-tsee notes and soft trills, often delivered while foraging. Vocalizations are quiet but persistent, serving to keep contact within pairs or family groups.
Plumage
Soft grey to grey-brown upperparts with slightly darker wings edged pale; underparts whitish to buff with a clean, plain look. The head is grey with a subtle pale supercilium and a slightly darker eye-line. Tail short and narrow; overall neat, compact appearance.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods, including beetles, caterpillars, ants, termites, and spiders gleaned from leaves, bark, and twigs. It methodically inspects foliage and fine branch tips, sometimes hanging acrobatically to reach the undersides of leaves. Occasional ingestion of small seeds or nectar may occur but insects dominate the diet.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in bushy savanna, thorn scrub, and open woodland, especially acacia, mopane, and riverine thickets. Often forages in the mid to lower canopy and dense outer foliage where small prey is abundant.
