Aegithalos exilis
Psaltria exilis, commonly known as the Pygmy Tit (and historically as Aegithalos exilis), is a true avian marvel, holding the distinction as the smallest member of the Old World tit family Aegithalidae. Measuring a mere 8-8.5 cm (3.1-3.3 inches) in length and weighing just 4-7 grams, its diminutive size is its most striking characteristic. It exhibits a subtle yet elegant plumage: pale greyish-brown upperparts, contrasting with clean whitish underparts, a dark cap, and a relatively short tail...
This species primarily inhabits submontane and montane forests, forest edges, and shade trees in plantations, typically found at elevations between 1,000 and 3,000 meters above sea level on Java.
Primarily insectivorous, the Pygmy Tit feeds on small insects, spiders, and their larvae, which it actively gleans from foliage, twigs, and bark.
The Pygmy Tit is an exceptionally active and acrobatic arboreal bird, constantly flitting and gleaning for food among the foliage and outer branches of trees throughout the day. It employs a foraging strategy of actively searching leaves, twigs, and bark for small insects and spiders, often hangi...
The Pygmy Tit is strictly endemic to the island of Java, Indonesia, where it is a resident species. Its distribution is primarily confined to the montane and submontane regions across the island's volcanic peaks and highlands. While it can be found in suitable forest habitats across Java, its pre...
Least Concern
- The Pygmy Tit holds the distinction of being the smallest member of the Old World tit family (Aegithalidae). - It is one of the smallest passerine birds in the world, measuring roughly the length of a human thumb. - This species is a true island endemic, found only on the island of Java, Indone...