Machlolophus nuchalis
The White-naped Tit (Machlolophus nuchalis) is a striking member of the tit family, Paridae, and is endemic to the Indian subcontinent. Measuring approximately 13 cm in length with a weight typically ranging from 10-14 grams, this diminutive bird is immediately recognizable by its prominent, erect black crest and a brilliant white nape patch, which contrasts sharply with its glossy black head and throat. Its upperparts are slate-grey, while the underparts are a vibrant yellow, bisected by a b...
Found primarily in dry deciduous forests, thorn scrub, and open woodlands, the White-naped Tit prefers areas with scattered trees and bushes. It is typically observed at elevations ranging from lowlands up to about 1000 meters.
Their diet consists mainly of insects, such as caterpillars, beetles, and larvae, supplemented occasionally with spiders. They primarily forage by gleaning and probing on tree bark and foliage.
White-naped Tits are highly active, diurnal birds that spend much of their day foraging acrobatically among the foliage. They exhibit a characteristic foraging style, gleaning insects and larvae from leaves, twigs, and bark, often hanging upside down to access prey. During the non-breeding season...
The White-naped Tit has a disjunct distribution across central and western parts of the Indian subcontinent, being entirely resident within this range. Its population is notably fragmented, with two main disjunct areas: one in Western India spanning parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, a...
Least Concern
- The White-naped Tit is one of the few tit species endemic to the Indian subcontinent, highlighting its unique evolutionary path. - Its genus, Machlolophus, was formerly part of the much larger genus Parus, reflecting a modern understanding of its distinct lineage. - Despite its 'Least Concern' ...