The white-bellied tit is a species of bird in the family Paridae. It is found in Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Central and East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Cameroon–Nigeria highlands eastward through South Sudan and into the montane and dry forests of Uganda, Kenya, and northern Tanzania. It favors subtropical or tropical dry forests, woodland edges, and moist montane forests with a well-developed canopy. The species also uses secondary growth, gallery forest, and forest patches within agricultural mosaics. It adapts to degraded habitats provided there are mature trees for foraging and nesting.
Altitude Range
1000–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small African tit, the white-bellied tit is an agile canopy forager that often hangs upside down while gleaning prey. It commonly joins mixed-species flocks in forest and woodland, increasing feeding efficiency and vigilance. A cavity nester, it uses natural holes or old woodpecker and barbet nest sites.
Specimen at Nairobi National Museum
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often travels in pairs or small family parties and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. During breeding, pairs become territorial, defending a small area around nest sites. Nests are placed in tree cavities and lined with plant fibers and hair; both parents feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of thin, high-pitched whistles and rapid, buzzy trills delivered from canopy perches. Calls include sharp scolds and contact notes used to keep flock cohesion.
Plumage
Contrasting plumage with dark upperparts and a clean white belly; feathers are smooth and close-fitting, giving a neat appearance.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects and other small arthropods, gleaned from leaves, twigs, and bark. It probes crevices and will sally short distances to snatch prey flushed from foliage. Occasionally takes seeds and small fruits, especially outside the peak insect season.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the midstory and canopy, along forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth. It also uses wooded gardens and agroforestry systems near forest patches, especially where mature trees remain.
