A tiny bird covered in spectacular patterns of black and yellow topped off by white spotted wings.

Meet the Himalayan Black Lored Tit

“Black-lored Tit” by Koshyk is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

The Himalayan black-lored tit (Machlolophus xanthogenys), is a resident breeder on the Indian sub-continent wearing broad black line down a yellow front. There is also a large black crest tipped with yellow, a black neck, throat, and black band running from the bill to behind the head. The cheeks are yellow, upperparts are olive-green.

“File:Himalayan black-lored tit (Machlolophus xanthogenys) 07.jpg” by Nrik kiran is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

There are two white wing bars and also white on the outer tail feathers.

The female looks very similar to the male but can appear duller.

“File:Himalayan black-lored tit (Machlolophus xanthogenys).jpg” by Nrik kiran is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

The Himalayan black lored tit is a resident breeder along the Himalayas in the Indian Subcontinent including Nepal.

Avyakta.jpg” by AvyaktaShashi is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

These birds like to inhabit well-wooded areas, evergreen forests, mixed bamboo jungles, and plantations.

Avyakta.jpg” by AvyaktaShashi is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

The Himalayan black lored tit likes to dine on insects and spiders from the canopy, and will sometimes fruit.

“File:Himalayan black-lored tit DSCN1601 1.jpg” by Sumita Roy Dutta is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

During the breeding season, these birds will excavate their own nest, however, they will utilize woodpecker or barbet holes if given the opportunity. The female will lay a clutch of up to 3 to 5 red-spotted white eggs.

“File:Himalayan black-lored tit (Machlolophus xanthogenys) 30.jpg” by Creepanta is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

The Himalayan black-lored tit is regarded as of least concern on the IUCN Red List.

AvyaktaShashi is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

You can watch and listen to this bird right here on the video below: