Black-throated bushtit facts for kids
The black-throated bushtit (scientific name: Aegithalos concinnus) is a tiny songbird. It's also sometimes called the black-throated tit. This little bird belongs to a group of birds called bushtits, which are known for being very social.
Sometimes, older books might use "black-throated tit" to talk about different birds, like the rufous-naped tit or the rufous-vented tit. But the black-throated bushtit is part of its own special bird family, the Aegithalidae.
Quick facts for kids Black-throated tit |
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| Black-throated bushtit at Godawari, Nepal | |
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| Genus: |
Aegithalos
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| Species: |
concinnus
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Contents
About the Black-throated Bushtit
The black-throated bushtit is a very small bird. It is only about 10.5 centimeters (4 inches) long. It weighs between 4 and 9 grams, which is about as much as two pennies.
What Does It Look Like?
These birds have different looks depending on where they live. But they all share some key features. They have a medium-length tail, not a very long one. They also have a black throat.
A cool feature is their black "bandit mask" around their eyes. Some of these birds have a chestnut-colored cap on their head. They might also have a chestnut band on their chest and sides. Their back, wings, and tail are usually dark gray. Their belly is often white.
Other types of black-throated bushtits might have gray caps. Some have gray bellies and sides. Both male and female birds look very similar.
Where Do They Live?
You can find black-throated bushtits in many parts of Asia. They live in the foothills of the Himalayas. Their home stretches across northern India, through north-eastern Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. You can also find them in northern Myanmar, Vietnam, and Taiwan.
Some groups of these birds live in southern Vietnam. Others are on the island of Hainan. They also live further north in China, up to the Yellow River. They like to live in open forests with broadleaf trees. They also live in pine forests. You usually find them at middle elevations in the mountains.
How Do They Behave?
Black-throated bushtits are very social birds. They love to be with other birds. They often travel in large groups. These groups can have up to 40 birds!
Life Cycle and Reproduction
These birds build interesting nests. Their nests are made from moss and lichen. They hang down from the branches of trees. It's like a little hanging basket for their babies.
What Do They Eat?
Black-throated bushtits eat small insects and spiders. They also enjoy small seeds, fruits, and berries. They especially like raspberries.
During times when they are not raising babies, their groups get even bigger. But even when they are breeding, they still stay in smaller groups all year round. These groups often join up with other kinds of birds. They form "mixed-species feeding flocks" to find food together.
Images for kids
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At West Himalayan Fir carrying feed for chicks in Kullu-Manali District. of Himachal Pradesh, India.
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Bathing in Kullu- Manali District of Himachal Pradesh, India.
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Perching on a branch
