Tits and Chickadees (Paridae) - HBW 12

Yellow-browed Tit (Sylviparus modestus)

French: Mésange modeste German: Laubmeise Spanish: Herrerillo Modesto

Taxonomy: Sylviparus modestus E. Burton, 1836, Nepal.
Has been placed in genus Parus, but seems to have no close affinities with any member of family; possibly closest to Melanochlora. Actions and plumage suggest possible relationship with kinglets (Regulidae), but vocalizations, breeding habits, diet, bill morphology and leg colour all typical of present family. Somewhat darker birds in S Assam (NE India) sometimes separated as race saturatior. Three subspecies currently recognized.

Subspecies and Distribution:

  • simlaensis Stuart Baker, 1917 - NW Himalayas from Kashmir E to NC India (Kumaon).
  • modestus E. Burton, 1836 - C & E Himalayas, NE India (hills of S Assam to Nagaland and Manipur), N, W & SE Myanmar, SC & SE China (SE Xizang and SE Yunnan E, patchily, to Guizhou, Guangdong and NW Fujian), NW Thailand, N & SE Laos and N & SC Vietnam (W Tonkin, S Annam).
  • klossi Delacour & Jabouille, 1930 - SC Vietnam (Da Lat Plateau).

  • Least Concern
  •      No sound recordings available yet
Fatbirder's Top 500 Birding Websites