>Aegithalos concinnus (Black-throated Bushtit)

Black-throated Bushtit

Black-throated Bushtit
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Aegithalidae
Genus:	Aegithalos
Species:	A. concinnus
Binomial name
Aegithalos concinnus (Gould, 1855)

The Black-throated Bushtit {Aegithalos concinnus), also known as the Black-throated Tit, is a very small passerine bird in the family Aegithalidae.

Taxonomy

The species has six currently recognised subspecies, and several others have been suggested. Genetic studies have suggested that these subspecies may represent separate species, but further research is needed.

Description

The Black-throated Bushtit is a small passerine, around 10.5 cm long and weighing 4-9 g.There is considerable racial variation in the plumage, but all subspecies have a medium length tail (as opposed to the long tail of the related Long-tailed Tit), a black throat and a black 'bandit mask' around the eye. The nominate race has a chestnut cap, breast band and flanks and dark grey back, wings and tail, and a white belly. The other subspecies have generally the same pattern (minus the chest band) but with grey caps or all grey bellies and flanks. Both sexes are alike.

Distribution and habitat

It ranges from the foothills of the Himalayas in Pakistan and northern India through large areas of southern China, northern Burma and Vietnam, and Taiwan. Disjunct populations also occur in southern Vietnam and the island of Hainan. It lives in open broadleaf forest as well as pine forest, generally occurring in middle altitudes.

Behaviour

The Black-throated Bushtit is highly social and will travel in large flocks of up to 40 birds.

Breeding

The nest is constructed out of moss and lichen and hangs from the branches of trees.

Feeding

The species feeds on small insects and spiders, as well as small seeds, fruits and berries (particularly raspberries). Group numbers swell during the non-breeding season, but smaller groups exist year round. These groups will often join mixed-species feeding flocks.