The rufous-bellied tit is a species of bird in the tit family. It is found in Africa from the Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo and northern Namibia east to Tanzania and northern Mozambique.
Region
South-central and East Africa
Typical Environment
This species inhabits dry woodland mosaics, especially miombo (Brachystegia-Julbernardia) and mopane, as well as wooded savanna and thickets. It favors edges, secondary growth, and lightly disturbed woodland where insect prey is abundant. Birds forage from the understorey to mid-canopy, often on outer branches and along trunks. It occurs across parts of the Congo Basin margins and southward to northern Namibia, then east to Tanzania and northern Mozambique.
Altitude Range
300–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The rufous-bellied tit is closely associated with miombo and other dry woodlands, where it actively gleans insects from leaves and bark. It often joins mixed-species flocks, increasing foraging success and predator vigilance. Nesting is in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes, lined with soft plant fibers and hair. Pairs are notably vocal and inquisitive, frequently giving scolding calls when disturbed.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief bounding
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks in woodland. It nests in tree cavities, lining the nest with soft plant fibers, hair, and occasionally feathers; both parents feed the young. Territorial during breeding, but tolerant around rich food sources.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of sharp, high-pitched scolds and tsee-tsee notes interspersed with short whistles. Vocalizations are persistent during foraging and intensify near the nest or when alarmed.
Plumage
Dark slate-grey to blackish upperparts with a contrasting rufous to chestnut belly and flanks; wings show a pale panel or narrow white bar. Throat and head are dark, with cleanly demarcated underparts. Feathers are sleek and close-fitting, giving a neat, compact appearance.
Diet
Primarily consumes insects and other arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders, gleaned from leaves, twigs, and bark. It occasionally probes crevices and may sally short distances to snatch flying prey. Seeds and small berries are taken opportunistically, especially in the dry season when insects are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in miombo and mopane woodlands, along woodland edges, and in secondary growth. Often forages from the understorey to mid-canopy and along trunks, sometimes joining mixed flocks to exploit disturbed prey.
