Red-throated tit

The red-throated tit is a species of bird in the family Paridae. It is found in Kenya and Tanzania, where its natural habitat is dry savanna.

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Distribution

Region

East Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs patchily across dry savanna and thorn-scrub landscapes of Kenya and northern Tanzania. It favors open woodlands dominated by acacia and commiphora, with scattered trees and shrubs over grassy understory. Birds use tree cavities for nesting and roosting and forage from the mid-canopy down into lower shrubs. It tolerates lightly grazed rangelands but avoids dense forests and very open treeless plains.

Altitude Range

500–2000 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size11–13 cm

Wing Span18–21 cm

Male Weight0.014 kg

Female Weight0.013 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This East African tit favors dry Acacia-Commiphora savannas and often forages acrobatically among thorny branches. It nests in natural cavities or old woodpecker and barbet holes, lining them with soft plant material. Small family groups frequently join mixed-species flocks, which helps with predator detection while foraging.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually seen in pairs or small family parties that move quickly through acacia canopies. During the breeding season it forms monogamous pairs and nests in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes lined with soft fibers. Outside breeding, it often joins mixed-species foraging flocks for safety and efficiency.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Calls are sharp, high-pitched twitters and scolding chatter typical of tits. The song is a simple series of thin whistles and trills, repeated from exposed perches within acacia trees.

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Identification

Leg Colorslate-grey

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Compact, tit-like bird with mostly dark upperparts contrasted by a distinct rufous-red throat patch. Often shows a pale or white wing panel or bar and paler underparts toward the belly. Feathers appear neat and close-fitting, giving a sleek, smooth look.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Primarily consumes insects and other small arthropods, including caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and bark, often hanging acrobatically to reach the undersides of foliage. Occasional intake of seeds or small berries may supplement the diet, especially in the dry season when insects are scarce.

Preferred Environment

Feeds in the mid to upper levels of acacia and thorn-scrub vegetation and along woodland edges. It also forages in scattered bushes within open savanna and around tree clumps near grassland.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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