The yellow-bellied tit is a bird in the family Paridae. The species was first described by Robert Swinhoe in 1870.
Region
East Asia
Typical Environment
Endemic to China, occurring widely in central and eastern provinces in broadleaf and mixed woodlands, forest edges, riverine groves, and well-treed parks. It favors mosaic habitats with shrubs and secondary growth and adapts well to lightly disturbed areas and orchards. Outside the breeding season it disperses locally and may descend to lower elevations, frequently joining mixed flocks. It nests in natural cavities and readily accepts artificial nest sites.
Altitude Range
200–2200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The yellow-bellied tit is a small member of the Paridae, first described by Robert Swinhoe in 1870. It is an energetic canopy forager that often joins mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season. Males typically show a darker throat and a faint central belly stripe, features used in mate selection. It readily uses nest boxes where available.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Pairs defend small territories during breeding and nest in cavities lined with plant fibers and hair. Clutches are moderate-sized and both parents feed the young. In autumn and winter, birds form small flocks and commonly mix with other tits and woodland passerines while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rapid series of high, clear tit-like notes interspersed with short trills. Calls include sharp scolds and thin see-see contact notes, repeated persistently when excited.
Plumage
Bright yellow underparts with olive to gray-olive upperparts; head largely dark with pale cheek; two pale wing bars and clean-edged wing coverts. Males often show a darker throat bib and a narrow blackish midline on the belly.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders gleaned from leaves and twigs. In cooler months it supplements with seeds, buds, and small berries. It occasionally hammers seeds or probes bark crevices for hidden prey. Follows mixed-species flocks to exploit disturbed insects.
Preferred Environment
Feeds from the mid-story to the outer canopy of broadleaf and mixed forests, as well as woodland edges and gardens. Also forages in orchards and shelterbelts where shrubs and small trees are abundant.
