The white-naped tit, sometimes called white-winged tit, is a passerine bird in the tit family Paridae. It is endemic to India where it is found in dry thorn scrub forest in two disjunct populations, in western India and southern India. Its specific name nuchalis means 'of the nuchal, nape'.
Region
Western and Southern India
Typical Environment
Occurs in two disjunct populations: one in arid and semi-arid thorn scrub and open woodland of western India (notably Kutch and Saurashtra) and another in dry scrub and open savanna-like habitats of southern India on the Deccan. It favors landscapes dominated by Acacia, Prosopis, and Euphorbia with scattered mature trees offering nesting cavities. The species uses edges, scrubby ravines, and lightly grazed or fallow tracts, avoiding dense forest and heavily urbanized areas. Availability of old trees or deadwood for cavities is a key habitat feature.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-naped tit is a striking black-and-white parid with a bold white patch on the nape and a prominent white wing panel, which give it its name. It lives in semi-arid thorn scrub where it nests in cavities, often in old woodpecker holes or natural hollows. Its disjunct distribution in western and southern India makes it especially vulnerable to habitat loss and fragmentation.
From Jerdon's Illustrations of Indian Ornithology (1847)
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between shrubs and trees
Social Behavior
Typically found singly, in pairs, or in small family parties. Territorial during the breeding season, nesting in cavities in dead or mature trees and lining nests with soft materials. Both parents participate in rearing young and forage acrobatically among branches and thorny scrub.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are sharp, scolding notes and squeaky whistles typical of tits, often given in rapid series. The song consists of clear, repetitive phrases that carry well across open scrub.
Plumage
Glossy black overall with sharp white contrasts; clean white nape patch forming a partial collar and a bold white wing panel with white-edged coverts and tertials.
Diet
Primarily consumes insects and other arthropods, including caterpillars, beetles, ants, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and bark and will probe into crevices in deadwood. Occasionally takes small berries or seeds, especially when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in thorn scrub, open woodland, and scattered groves, often in Acacia and Prosopis. Forages from mid-canopy to lower branches and sometimes descends to shrubs and larger bushes along field edges and ravines.
