Southern Black Tit
NameSouthern Black Tit
Common NameSouthern Black Tit
Scientific NameMelaniparus niger
FamilyParidae
Wingspan (cm)20.5
Length (cm)15.5
Weight (g)20
Plumage DetailsMales are entirely glossy black with prominent white bars on the wing coverts and flight feathers, creating a distinctive striped pattern on the folded wing. Females are similar but often duller, appearing dark grey rather than pure black.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a sharp 'chick-chick-chick' call and a trilling 'tsee-tsee-tsee' or 'tsip-tsip-tsip' song, often delivered rapidly.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across southern Africa, including countries such as Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Identifying FeaturesEntirely black plumage (males), Prominent white wing bars, Small size, Active foraging behavior
Description
This small, active passerine is characterized by its predominantly black plumage and striking white wing markings. It typically forages in the canopy and mid-story of trees and shrubs, searching for insects and other small invertebrates.
