The white-browed tit-warbler is a species of bird in the family Aegithalidae. The species was first described by Nikolai Severtzov in 1873. It is resident in the Tian Shan and central China as well as in the Himalayas where it is mainly found in winter. Its natural habitat is boreal forests.
Region
Central Asia and Himalayas
Typical Environment
Found across the Tian Shan and Pamir-Alai ranges through western and central China, into the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas. It inhabits subalpine to alpine scrub, especially dwarf juniper and rhododendron, as well as willow thickets along streams and the edges of open conifer forest. In winter it descends to lower elevations and more sheltered valleys. The species is generally sedentary with altitudinal movements rather than long-distance migration.
Altitude Range
2400–4800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-browed tit-warbler is a tiny high-mountain songbird noted for the male’s striking lilac-purple plumage and bright blue tail. It skulks in dwarf juniper and rhododendron thickets, often moving in quick, mouse-like hops. Outside the breeding season it frequently joins mixed-species flocks. It makes a neat, domed nest hidden low in dense shrubs to shield it from alpine weather.
Male, showing colorful plumage
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick, low dashes between shrubs
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs during the breeding season and in small family parties or mixed-species flocks in winter. Nests are domed and well-concealed within dense shrubs close to the ground. Pairs are thought to be monogamous, and both sexes engage in nest defense.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a high, thin, tinkling series of trills and sweet sibilant notes, delivered from low perches within scrub. Calls include soft tsip and tsee notes used to keep contact while foraging.
Plumage
Male with vivid lilac to violet underparts, bluish upperparts and tail, and a crisp white supercilium; female much duller brownish-grey with faint lilac wash and paler underparts.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods gleaned from twigs, leaves, and bark. It also takes spiders and larvae hidden in shrub layers. In winter it supplements its diet with small berries and seeds when insects are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Feeds low in dense alpine scrub, especially dwarf juniper, rhododendron, and willow thickets. It forages methodically along branches and near the ground, often in sheltered ravines and forest edges.
