Sooty Tit
NameSooty Tit
Common NameSooty Tit
Scientific NameMelaniparus niger
FamilyParidae
Wingspan (cm)24
Length (cm)15.5
Weight (g)21
Plumage DetailsAdult males are entirely glossy black with a prominent white patch on the wing-coverts and a white bar on the primaries. Females are similar but duller, often with a brownish wash. Juveniles are duller and browner overall.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a rapid, high-pitched 'tsip-tsip-tsip' call and a more complex, often repeated 'twee-twee-twee-twee' song.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in southern Africa, including Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Identifying FeaturesGlossy black plumage (males), White wing patch/bar, Small size, Active foraging
Description
A small, active passerine native to southern Africa. Males are glossy black with distinctive white wing markings, while females are similar but duller. They are typically found foraging for insects in woodlands and savannas.
