Southern Black Tit

The Southern Black Tit, known scientifically as Melaniparus niger, presents a striking figure with its almost entirely monotone plumage. This bird, unlike its Northern Hemisphere counterparts or other local species, exhibits a subtle sexual dimorphism. The males are a distinctive blue-black, while the females tend to be a more subdued greyish tone.

Identification Tips

When observing these birds, one can note that they lack the white rim in their tail, a feature that distinguishes them from the White-winged Tit and Carp's Tit. They measure approximately 16 centimeters in length, including their tail, which is a helpful size reference for identification in the field.

Habitat

The Southern Black Tit is native to woodland habitats in southern Africa, favoring areas dominated by broad-leaved trees such as miombo, Combretum species, and Burkea africana.

Distribution

This species is found in a semicircular arc from Angola to the Eastern Cape in South Africa. It is particularly abundant in the woodlands of western Zimbabwe, where densities can reach up to fifty birds per square kilometer.

Behaviour

The Southern Black Tit is known for its voracious consumption of insects, particularly wasps, within its preferred habitat. It has also been observed partaking in nectar and fruiting figs, which is somewhat unusual for a bird of the Paridae family.

Song & Calls

Unfortunately, the source does not provide information on the song and calls of the Southern Black Tit.

Breeding

Breeding for this species occurs during the summer wet season, with the timing of initiation varying greatly depending on rainfall consistency. The Southern Black Tit's breeding strategy is adapted to its environment, with most males remaining in their parental territory for several years to assist in rearing the typically three nestlings produced under favorable conditions. The breeding female, who incubates for fifteen days, will mimic venomous snakes to protect her nest from predators.

Similar Species

The Southern Black Tit can be confused with the White-winged Tit and Carp's Tit but can be differentiated by the absence of a white rim on its tail.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Southern Black Tit is primarily insectivorous, with a particular penchant for wasps. It also occasionally consumes nectar and figs.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Southern Black Tit as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face a significant risk of extinction.

Longevity

Data on the longevity of the Southern Black Tit are scarce due to few recoveries from ringing. However, it is believed that the adult mortality rate is much lower than that of its European and North American relatives.

Taxonomy

The Southern Black Tit was once grouped within the genus Parus but has since been reclassified to the genus Melaniparus following a molecular phylogenetic analysis in 2013, which revealed that it forms a distinct clade within the family.