How to identify the Indian Black Lored Tit

To correctly identify the Indian Black Lored Tit (Machlolophus xanthogenys aplonotus), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

13-14 cm

Wingspan

20-22 cm

Weight

10-15 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults have a prominent black crest, a black loral stripe extending from the beak to behind the eye, and a black throat and upper breast. The cheeks and ear-coverts are bright yellow. The upperparts are olive-green, and the underparts are bright yellow with a broad black central stripe running from the throat to the vent. The wings are dark with two prominent white wing-bars, and the tail is dark with white outer tail feathers.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Small, conical, and sharp, typically black or dark grey.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dark grey to blackish.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The combination of a black crest, bright yellow underparts with a broad black central stripe, and two white wing-bars are key distinguishing features. The black loral stripe is also characteristic.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are duller overall, with a less intense yellow on the underparts and a less defined black central stripe. The crest may be shorter and less prominent, and the black markings are often tinged brownish.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal changes in plumage are observed. They maintain their characteristic coloration year-round.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are generally similar in plumage, though the black central stripe on the underparts may be slightly broader and more intense in males. The crest might also appear slightly more prominent in males.

Key field marks

• Crest. Look for the prominent, pointed black crest on the head, a key identifier for this species.
• Head Pattern. Note the black loral stripe (from beak to eye), bright yellow cheeks, and black throat/upper breast contrasting with the black crest.
• Underparts. Observe the bright yellow underparts with a broad, distinct black stripe running down the center from the throat to the vent.
• Upperparts. The back and nape are olive-green, providing a contrast to the head and underparts.
• Wing-bars. Two clear white wing-bars on dark wings are consistently present and aid in identification.
• Behavior. Watch for its active, acrobatic foraging style, often hanging upside down, and its tendency to join mixed-species flocks.
• Vocalization. Listen for its loud, clear, and often repetitive 'wit-chi-wit-chi-wit' song or sharp 'chick' calls.

Explore the Indian Black Lored Tit