The Himalayan black-lored tit, also known as simply black-lored tit, is a passerine bird in the tit family Paridae. The yellow-cheeked tit is probably its closest relative, and it may also be related to the yellow tit. These three tits almost certainly form a distinct lineage, as indicated by morphology, and mtDNA cytochrome b sequence analysis.
Region
Himalayas and adjacent foothills
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Himalayan range from northeastern Afghanistan and Pakistan through northern India and Nepal to western Bhutan. It inhabits montane broadleaf and mixed conifer forests, especially oak, rhododendron, deodar, and pine. The species also uses forest edges, orchards, and wooded gardens in hill towns. It forages mainly in the mid to upper canopy but will descend to lower strata at forest margins. In winter it may move downslope into foothill woodland.
Altitude Range
1200–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, crested tit of the Himalayan forests, the Himalayan black-lored tit is active and inquisitive, often hanging upside-down as it forages. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks. Taxonomically it has been placed in Machlolophus, and its closest relatives include the yellow-cheeked tit and the yellow tit. It nests in tree cavities and will also use holes in walls or fence posts when available.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick, bounding moves between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and commonly joins mixed-species foraging flocks. It nests in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes, lining the chamber with moss, hair, and plant fibers; clutch size is typically 3–6 eggs. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and defend territories around nesting sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A lively series of clear, ringing whistles and sharp scolds, often rendered as repetitive tee-tee-tee notes. Calls include buzzy scolding chatters given while foraging in flocks, with the male delivering more elaborate phrases from exposed perches.
Plumage
Bright yellow underparts with a narrow black ventral stripe, olive-green upperparts, and a black head with a small pointed crest. The face is yellow with a distinct black loral patch forming a mask. Wings are dark with pale edging and obvious whitish wing bars; the tail shows white tips on the outer feathers.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects and other arthropods, including caterpillars, beetles, and spiders gleaned from leaves, buds, and bark. It also takes seeds, buds, and small berries, especially outside the breeding season. Occasionally hammers open hard seeds and probes cones in conifer stands.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper canopy of oak, deodar, and pine forests, and along forest edges and gardens. Often joins mixed-species flocks to exploit insect-rich tree crowns and will acrobatically hang from twigs and cones.
