The sooty bushtit, also known as the sooty tit, white-necklaced tit or white-necklaced bushtit, is a small passerine bird in the bushtit family Aegithalidae. It is endemic to central China, where it inhabits foothill and montane forests. Its overall browner plumage and white collar distinguish it from other small tits and bushtits. It is a social bird and forages in flocks, often with other bird species.
Region
Central China
Typical Environment
Found in foothill and montane forests, especially evergreen broadleaf and mixed broadleaf–conifer habitats. It frequents forest edges, secondary growth, and shrubby glades, often near ravines and bamboo thickets. Birds forage from understory to mid-canopy, gleaning foliage and twigs. It tolerates moderately disturbed habitats as long as patches of mature trees and dense shrubs remain.
Altitude Range
900–2700 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the white-necklaced tit, this small bushtit is recognizable by its neat white hindneck collar against sooty-brown plumage. It forages acrobatically in small, chatty flocks and often joins mixed-species parties. Like other long-tailed tits, it builds an intricate domed nest of moss, lichens, and spider silk lined with feathers. Its social nature makes it easy to detect by sound even in dense forest.
Illustration by Josephe Huët
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in small family groups or flocks that may combine with other small insectivores such as tits and nuthatches. Pairs build domed nests low to mid-level in shrubs or small trees using moss, lichens, and spider silk, lined with feathers. Cooperative behaviors are common within flocks, especially outside the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin, sibilant notes given in quick series, often a tsee-tsee-tsee chatter. Contact calls keep flocks coordinated and are delivered frequently while foraging.
Plumage
Sooty-brown to dark brown overall with paler brown underparts and fine pale fringes on wings and tail. A crisp white hindneck collar contrasts with the darker head and mantle. Tail is long and graduated, giving a slight elongated silhouette.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods including aphids, caterpillars, beetles, and spiders gleaned from leaves, twigs, and bark. It occasionally takes small berries and seeds, especially in colder months when insects are scarce. Foraging is agile and acrobatic, often hanging to probe the undersides of leaves.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in forest edges, clearings with shrubs, and the mid-story of mixed and evergreen forests. Often follows mixed-species flocks along wooded slopes and gullies.
