The white-backed black tit, also known as the white-backed tit, is a species of bird in the family Paridae. It is found in Eritrea and Ethiopia. Its natural habitat is boreal forests.
Region
Ethiopian Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in the highlands of northern Ethiopia and adjacent Eritrea, favoring montane evergreen and juniper-hagenia forests, forest edges, and mature woodland. It also uses ravines, gorges, and wooded plantations, especially where old trees provide cavities. The species is most common in semi-open forest mosaics and secondary growth with scattered large trees. It is generally absent from lowland savannas and arid scrub.
Altitude Range
1800–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This highland tit is readily recognized by its striking white back patch against otherwise glossy black plumage. It forages acrobatically, often hanging upside down to glean insects from foliage and bark. Pairs nest in tree cavities, including old woodpecker holes, and will use nest boxes where available. It frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks in montane forests.
Temperament
active and inquisitive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups during the breeding season, becoming more gregarious afterward. It regularly joins mixed-species flocks with warblers and white-eyes to forage through the canopy. Nests are placed in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes and lined with plant fibers and hair.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of high, thin whistles interspersed with buzzy phrases. Calls include sharp scolds and rapid chatter used while moving through foliage.
Plumage
Glossy black overall with a clean, contrasting white patch across the mantle and upper back; wings show pale edging creating a subtle wing bar.
Diet
Primarily consumes insects and other small invertebrates such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders, gleaned from leaves and bark. It supplements its diet with seeds, berries, and occasionally nectar, especially outside the breeding season. Foraging is agile and acrobatic, often hanging to reach the undersides of foliage and crevices.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid to upper canopy of montane forest and at forest edges, also using wooded ravines and plantations. It often forages along mixed-species flocks, moving quickly through trees and shrubs.
