The white-shouldered black tit, also known as the pale-eyed black tit, is a passerine bird in the tit family. It breeds in a belt across Africa from Senegal in the west to Kenya and Ethiopia in the east. It is sometimes considered conspecific with the more southerly white-winged black tit Melaniparus leucomelas and, like that species, it is mainly black with a white wing patch, but differs in that it has a pale eye.
Region
West to East African savanna belt (Sahel to East Africa)
Typical Environment
Occurs from Senegal and Gambia east through the Sahel and Sudano-Sahelian zones to South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya. Prefers dry savannas, thorn scrub, and open or lightly wooded acacia habitats, often near watercourses and farmland edges. It adapts well to fragmented woodland and bushveld mosaics. Frequently found from lowlands to upland woodland margins and sometimes in suburban edges with scattered trees.
Altitude Range
0–2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the pale-eyed black tit, it is easily told from the similar white-winged black tit by its distinctly pale iris. It inhabits a broad Sahel–savanna belt from West to East Africa and is typically found in acacia and open woodland. A cavity nester, it often uses natural holes or old woodpecker cavities and lines them with soft plant fibers. Taxonomically, it has at times been lumped with Melaniparus leucomelas but is separated by eye color and range.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and occasionally joins mixed-species foraging parties. Forms monogamous pairs during breeding and defends small territories. Nests in tree cavities or old woodpecker holes, lining the nest with soft plant fibers, hair, and feathers.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a series of clear, whistled notes interspersed with buzzy trills. Calls include sharp scolds and metallic chips used for contact within pairs and small groups.
