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Parus nuchalis

Photo by Jugal Tiwari
Location: Kutch, Gujarat, India, October, 2008

Sometimes called the White-winged Tit, leading to easy confusion with the African Parus (Melaniparus) leucomelas.

[edit] Identification

A distinctively pied tit with a total length of 12 cm (5 in). Underparts faintly yellow-tinged.

[edit] Distribution

The White-naped Tit is endemic to India, occupying a restricted range with two isolated populations. The first, and best known, occurs in an area of north-western India: central and south-central Rajasthan (Jodhpur, Nagaur, Jaipur, Ajmer, Pali, Jalore and Sirohi districts), Kutch and northern Gujarat (Banas Kantha and Mahesana districts). The second is in southern India: the Eastern Ghats west of Nellore in Andhra Pradesh, west-central and south Karnataka (Dharwad district and Bangalore districts), and northern Tamil Nadu (Periyar district).

[edit] Taxonomy

[edit] Habitat

Dry thorn-scrub forest and dry deciduous forest. May enter gardens or irrigated crop fields. Status Habitat loss represents a serious problem. It has undergone a rapid decline, with populations now being severely fragmented. It is listed as Vulnerable by BirdLife International.

[edit] Behaviour

It uses old woodpeckers nest holes for nesting and roosting. It breeds after the monsoons from May to August.

[edit] External Links

Red Data book Species Information for White naped Tit

White naped Tit Photographer Arpit Deomurari