Melaniparus leuconotus
The White-backed Black Tit, Melaniparus leuconotus, is a small yet striking passerine, typically measuring 11-12 cm in length. Its plumage is predominantly glossy black, contrasting sharply with a prominent, pure white patch that covers its mantle and scapulars, forming a distinctive V-shape on its back - a key identification mark. Dark bill, eyes, and legs complete its monochromatic but elegant appearance. This species exhibits no sexual dimorphism, with both sexes looking identical, though ...
Resident in highland Afromontane forests, juniper woodlands, and broadleaf clearings, typically at elevations between 1,800 and 3,500 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a diverse array of insects, larvae, and spiders, occasionally supplementing their diet with small seeds or berries.
This diurnal species is an active arboreal forager, constantly gleaning insects and larvae from foliage, branches, and bark crevices, often employing short hovering flights or sallying to snatch prey. During the breeding season, pairs are territorial, defending their chosen nest sites in natural ...
The White-backed Black Tit is endemic to the Afromontane biogeographic region of northeastern Africa, with its primary distribution centered within the extensive highlands of Ethiopia. Its range also extends northwards into the highland plateaus of Eritrea, where suitable habitat exists. This spe...
Least Concern
- The White-backed Black Tit is the only species within the genus Melaniparus (African Black Tits) to possess such a prominent white back, making it instantly recognizable. - It is a specialist of high-altitude environments, comfortably living and breeding at elevations reaching up to 3,500 meter...