White-naped Tit

Description:

Bathing sequence of the White-naped tit. I hope I did not offend the privacy of this bird :-) These birds are believed to live at very low densities in small numbers. They are shy and are best detected by their calls which have been described as musical whistling notes tee-whi-whi or see pit-pit-pit-pit. They however appear to show high fidelity to favoured sites. Some roost hollows have been observed to have been known to have been used for more than six years. They may also obtain nectar from the flowers of Capparis aphylla and will sometimes visit rainwater puddles to drink.This species is said to have undergone a rapid population decline in the recent past. The habitat of dense Acacia scrub is severely degraded and fragmented in western India especially due to the collection of old branches with potential nest holes for firewood.

Habitat:

It is endemic to India where it is found in dry thorn scrub forest in two disjunct populations, in western India and southern India. Seen in a drying, national park.

Notes:

Both parents take part in care of the chicks. The chicks are fed mainly with non-hairy caterpillars, the parents may bring food as late as 2000 Hrs in the evening. It is said to be dependent on old woodpeckers nest holes, especially those made by Yellow-crowned Woodpeckers, which are used for nesting and roosting.