Have you ever seen a bird that looks like a troublemaker? The black-throated bushtit (Aegithalos concinnus) certainly fits the bill. With its bold “bandit mask” around the eyes and a grin-like mark on its throat, this small bird gives off an air of mischief.
Native to parts of eastern and southern Asia, the black-throated bushtit belongs to the Aegithalidae family and is known for its colorful plumage and striking patterns. These birds can be found in Nepal, Bhutan, northeastern India, and parts of Southeast Asia, including Vietnam and Thailand.
One of their most distinctive features is the black mask around their eyes, paired with a black mark on their throat, giving them a unique “grinning” expression. While males and females look similar, the females are typically lighter and smaller.
These birds are social creatures, staying in small flocks throughout the year, sometimes joining mixed-species feeding groups.
Unlike many other species, black-throated bushtits don’t migrate far but may move with the seasons. Their population tends to grow during the breeding season.
Despite their petite size—around 4 to 9 grams in weight and 10.5 cm (about 4 inches) in length—they make a big impression with their cheerful appearance.
Taiwanese wildlife photographer Chen Chengguang has captured some stunning images of this bird. While their plumage may vary depending on location, all subspecies share the iconic black throat and “bandit” mask.
Their range spans from the foothills of the Himalayas to northern India, Bhutan, and beyond, with some populations as far as northern China and Taiwan.
Black-throated bushtits primarily eat berries and seeds but enjoy insects, spiders, and even raspberries! Breeding pairs often stay together for years, raising one brood annually.
Breeding season is typically from February to May, and nests are made from materials like moss, spider webs, and lichen. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge in about 16 to 17 days.
These birds are not known for territorial calls but communicate with high-pitched calls, trills, and sputters. Fortunately, their population is stable and classified as Least Concern, though habitat loss remains a possible threat in the future.
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