The white-throated bushtit, also known as the white-throated tit, is a species of bird in the family Aegithalidae. It is found in India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Western Himalayas
Typical Environment
Occupies subtropical and temperate moist montane forests, especially broadleaf and mixed conifer stands with dense understory. Frequently uses oak, rhododendron, and deodar zones, forest edges, and scrubby ravines. It forages from low shrubs to mid-canopy and may descend to lower elevations in winter. Patchy but locally common in suitable habitat across northern India, Nepal, and Pakistan.
Altitude Range
1500–3300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the white-throated tit, this small bushtit forms lively flocks that sweep through Himalayan forests searching for tiny prey. It often joins mixed-species foraging parties with other tits and warblers. The species builds intricate, domed nests of moss, lichen, and spider silk, well-camouflaged among montane shrubs.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually travels in small, cohesive flocks outside the breeding season and often joins mixed-species parties. Pairs build domed, well-hidden nests and both sexes participate in care. Communal roosting may occur in colder months.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin chips and tsee-tsee contact calls keep flocks together. The song is a soft series of high-pitched trills and sibilant notes, delivered from cover.
Plumage
Compact, long-tailed tit with a clean white throat contrasting a darker hood; upperparts gray-brown with subtle warm tones and paler underparts.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and spiders, gleaned from leaves, buds, and twigs. Also takes insect eggs and larvae and may occasionally sample soft berries or nectar when available. Foraging is active and acrobatic, often hanging to probe foliage.
Preferred Environment
Edges and understory of moist montane forests, especially shrub layers of oak–rhododendron and mixed conifer-broadleaf stands. Frequently forages in mixed-species flocks in mid-story and lower canopy strata.
