Rufous-bellied Tit

The Rufous-bellied Tit, a member of the tit family, is a small bird measuring approximately 15 cm (5.9 in) in length. It boasts a striking plumage with a black head, breast, wings, and tail. The upperparts are a soft grey, while the wing feathers are edged with white. Its underparts are a warm rufous color, providing a sharp contrast to the darker tones above. Adults are characterized by their yellow eyes, whereas juveniles have a more subdued brown eye color.

Identification Tips

To identify the Rufous-bellied Tit, look for its distinctive rufous underparts and black head. The white fringes on the wing feathers are also a key feature. The adult's yellow eye is a clear identifier, setting it apart from the duller-eyed juvenile.

Habitat

This species is found in subtropical or tropical dry miombo forests, which provide the necessary cover and food sources for its survival.

Distribution

The Rufous-bellied Tit has a range that spans across Africa, from the Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and northern Namibia, all the way to Tanzania and northern Mozambique.

Similar Species

The Cinnamon-breasted Tit (Melaniparus pallidiventris) is sometimes considered conspecific with the Rufous-bellied Tit. However, the Cinnamon-breasted Tit can be distinguished by its dark grey breast, paler underparts, and brown eyes at all ages.

Conservation status

The Rufous-bellied Tit is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline or habitat loss at this time.