The yellow-cheeked tit is a species of bird in the family Paridae. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. It is found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Hong Kong, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Region
Himalayas and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
It inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland and montane forests from the eastern Himalayas through northeastern India and across Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, southern China (including Hong Kong), Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. It favors evergreen and mixed broadleaf forests, forest edges, bamboo stands, and mature secondary growth. The species is typically found in the mid to upper canopy but will descend to lower levels when foraging. It readily participates in mixed-species feeding flocks, especially outside the breeding season.
Altitude Range
0–3000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The yellow-cheeked tit is a striking, crested tit of Asian forests, easily recognized by its bright yellow face and bold black crest. It often joins mixed-species flocks, acrobatically gleaning insects from foliage and bark. By consuming caterpillars and other larvae, it helps control forest pests. Its loud, clear whistles make it noticeable even in dense vegetation.
An individual from Neora Valley National Park, West Bengal, India
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forages in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks. During breeding, pairs become more territorial and nest in tree cavities or old woodpecker holes, often lining nests with soft plant fibers and hair. Both parents participate in feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, clear, whistled phrases interspersed with sharper scolds typical of tits. Calls include repeated two- to three-note whistles and buzzing scolds used during foraging and alarm.
Plumage
Boldly patterned with a spiky black crest, bright yellow face and underparts with dark streaking, and olive-green to yellowish upperparts. Wings show pale wing bars and darker flight feathers.
Diet
Primarily eats insects and their larvae, including caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. It will also take small seeds and berries opportunistically, especially outside the breeding season. Foraging is agile and acrobatic, gleaning from leaves, twigs, and bark and occasionally sallying short distances to snatch prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid to upper canopy of evergreen and mixed forests, as well as along edges and clearings. Often follows mixed-species flocks to exploit disturbed insects and shared information on food sources.
