A photo of a Black-throated Bushtit (Aegithalos concinnus)
Black-throated Bushtit

Black-throated Bushtit

Aegithalos concinnus

The black-throated bushtit, scientifically known as Aegithalos concinnus, is a diminutive passerine bird belonging to the Aegithalidae family. This charming avian species is characterized by its relatively short tail, contrasting with the elongated tail of its cousin, the long-tailed tit. Both male and female black-throated bushtits share a similar appearance, featuring a distinctive black 'bandit mask' around their eyes and a black throat. The plumage varies among subspecies, with the nominate race donning a chestnut cap, breast band, and flanks, a white belly, and a dark grey back, wings, and tail. Other subspecies may exhibit grey caps or entirely grey bellies and flanks, but lack the chest band.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the black-throated bushtit, look for its black throat and eye mask, which are key distinguishing features. The bird's size is also a clue, as it measures approximately 10.5 cm in length and weighs between 4-9 grams. Plumage variations can help determine the specific subspecies, with some having chestnut accents and others displaying more grey.

Habitat

The black-throated bushtit is found in open broadleaf forests and pine forests, preferring middle altitudes for its habitat. These environments provide the necessary cover and food sources for the species to thrive.

Distribution

This species has a wide range across Asia, from the Himalayan foothills through northern India, northeastern Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, northern Myanmar, Vietnam, and Taiwan. There are also isolated populations in southern Vietnam, Hainan Island, and northern China up to the Yellow River.

Behaviour

The black-throated bushtit is a highly sociable bird, often seen in large flocks that can number up to 40 individuals. These flocks are a bustling community, flitting through the forest in search of sustenance and companionship.

Breeding

During the breeding season, these birds exhibit remarkable architectural skills, constructing exquisite nests from moss and lichen. These nests dangle elegantly from tree branches, providing a secure cradle for their young.

Feeding

The diet of the black-throated bushtit is varied, including small insects and spiders, as well as seeds, fruits, and berries, with a particular fondness for raspberries. Their feeding groups tend to expand in size outside of the breeding season, and they are known to participate in mixed-species foraging flocks.

Conservation status

The black-throated bushtit is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, for now, this species is not at immediate risk of decline. However, continued monitoring is essential to ensure its ongoing survival.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.
Download Birda on the Apple App StoreDownload Birda on the Google Play Store

Distribution of the Black-throated Bushtit

Use two fingers to move the map
Use ctrl + scroll to zoom the map
Resident

Black-throated Bushtits on Birda

Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.
What Our Birders Say
Foxgirl100
Great app for beginner twitchers
I’ve had a passion of photographing birds for a long time now but have only just gotten into proper birdwatching, and this app is brilliant for those just getting started. There is a great sense of community among users and the app is very easy to use and professional. Awesome app altogether
Leonie
We've been waiting for an App like this
Excellent! We've been waiting for an app like this! Thank you! It would be nice if you could assign additional birds to sessions later!
Emcil24
A Friendly Place
I love using the bird app, I have a pretty good knowledge of birds. But I do have some gaps in it, so it’s nice to have a safe space to check on a sighting to confirm the species. It’s really enjoyable and I love the badges you can collect. It’s like a real life Pokémon go.
Abi.M
Awesome App
I really enjoy using this app! It is such a friendly community of bird-lovers who are happy to help if I need ID advice. It’s been great motivation to get outdoors and go birding more! 10/10 😍😍
Dunners12345
Great App
Great app to use for logging and communicating with others who are interested in birds
Talli A
My favourite app
As a young birdwatcher who was always keen to be apart of a community but never seemed to find one, my problem was solved downloading this!!! Everyone is so friendly and just as excited to see birds as me 😁
Nedz53
Really useful
Downloaded to give it a try, everything worked perfectly, recorded my first bird watching walk. Very impressed. Have already recommended to friends!
Tralisalandhoop
Fantastic app - Love it!
Love this app and have used it almost daily. Lots of species information and easy to use. Love seeing birds spotted by other users in the UK and worldwide.
Madstherangers
A mordern game changer
Birda is an awesome app, its updated the world of birding to the modern day with a fun and easy to use app. It’s engaging and allows positive interaction with fellow bird lovers!
Alice J
Awesome Birding Community
I absolutely love the community aspect of this app. The app is so user friendly and has fun interactive challenges to get you out birding. I’ve tried others but since I’ve started using Birda I’ve not gone back!
As featured in
BBC RadioABC NewsFox NewsForbesTimeoutAndroid CentralBirdWatching DailyPetapixel