The unique combination of his black throat, brown crown, and black eye-mask is what sets him apart from the rest of his cousins.
Meet the White-cheeked Tit
“White-cheeked Bushtit (Aegithalos leucogenys)” by gilgit2 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
The White-cheeked Tit (Aegithalos leucogenys) is a petite Asian tit closely related to the Long-tailed Tit. This delightful bird measures approximately 11 cm in length and weighs between 6 to 8 grams. It possesses the characteristic shape of a long-tailed tit, with a medium-long tail, a distinctive white cheek patch, and a blackish bib. The forehead and center of the crown exhibit a warm cinnamon-drab color.
Photo courtesy of JavedShahali1992/CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)
The behavior of the White-cheeked Tit is akin to that of the Long-tailed Tit. It is frequently encountered in pairs.
The bird’s contact call is a melodious “si-si-si-si.”
“White-cheeked Bushtit (Aegithalos leucogenys) (25838064965)” by Imran Shah from Islamabad, Pakistan is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
This species can be found in southeastern Afghanistan, Kashmir, and western Pakistan.
“white-cheeked bushtit” by Imran Shah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. (cropped)
Its preferred habitats include open wooded areas with bushy undergrowth, primarily populated by oak, juniper, and pine trees.
“White-cheeked Bushtit (Aegithalos leucogenys)” by gilgit2 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. (cropped)
Feeding on insects and spiders (Araneae), the White-cheeked Bushtit primarily forages in the shrub layer and explores the crowns of holly oaks and mature junipers for sustenance.
“White-cheeked Bushtit (Aegithalos leucogenys) (21902211044)” by Imran Shah from Islamabad, Pakistan is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. (cheeked)
While mostly resident, the White-cheeked Tit does display some seasonal altitudinal movements and limited post-breeding dispersal.
“White-cheeked Bushtit (Aegithalos leucogenys) (22153260162)” by Imran Shah from Islamabad, Pakistan is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
During the breeding season, which spans from late March to May, both male and female birds partake in collecting nest material. The nest takes the form of an upright oval ball, measuring 110 × 85 mm in diameter, with its entrance positioned at the side near the top.
“White-cheeked Bushtit (Aegithalos leucogenys) (24403333656)” by Imran Shah from Islamabad, Pakistan is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
This bird is regarded as of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Here’s more details on the bushtit family:
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A Beautiful Scarlet Blush On The Chest Is Delightfully Enhanced By A Deftly Placed Splash Of White On The Nose!
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