Indian Yellow Tit look-alikes

Key differences

The Indian Yellow Tit (M. aplonotus) was formerly considered a subspecies of the Black-lored Tit (M. xanthogenys). The key difference is that M. xanthogenys (found in the Himalayas) has a yellow supercilium that extends further back and often connects with the yellow of the nape, and its upperparts are generally brighter olive-yellow. M. aplonotus has a more restricted yellow supercilium and typically duller, more greyish-green upperparts. Genetic studies confirmed their distinct species status.

Key differences

This is the nominate subspecies of the Black-lored Tit, found in the Himalayas. As mentioned above, it differs from the Indian Yellow Tit by its more extensive yellow supercilium and generally brighter yellow-olive upperparts. The black central stripe on the underparts might also be slightly narrower in some Himalayan forms.