Behavior

Observed birds standing side by side, with one bird quickly flying over the top of the other, and after landing, hopping rapidly along the branch. Birds may repeat the whole display several times. This display has been observed between opposite sexes and between males. It is assumed to be a dominance display, as it has been observed just prior to the breeding season, however its purpose is uncertain (R. P. Geldard, personal observation).

Sexual Behavior

Has been documented in courtship feeding

Extra-Pair Mating Behavior/Paternity

Some low level of extra-pair paternity has been recorded in this species (5.7% of offspring and 17.2% of nests), and in central China (southern Henan) populations, this probably reflects the influence of helpers (14 Li, J., Y. Liu, Y. Wang, and Z. Zhang (2013). Extra-pair paternity in two sympatric Aegithalos tits: patterns and implications. Journal of Ornithology 155:83–90. Close ).

Degree of Sociality

Very gregarious and usually in flocks, sometimes containing as many as 50 individuals during winter (13 Li, J., L. Lv, Y. Wang, B. Xi, and Z. Zhang (2012). Breeding biology of two sympatric Aegithalos tits with helpers at the nest. Journal of Ornithology 153(2):273–283. Close ). Flocks are formed soon after breeding with membership fluid over winter until the following breeding season in spring (R. P. Geldard and J. Li, unpublished data). Smaller flocks are found throughout breeding season (comprising of failed breeders or non-breeders and later family groups from early broods). Often joins mixed-species foraging parties commonly including Great Tit (Parus major), Pallas's Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus proregulus), and Silver-throated Tit (Aegithalos glaucogularis) in central China (13 Li, J., L. Lv, Y. Wang, B. Xi, and Z. Zhang (2012). Breeding biology of two sympatric Aegithalos tits with helpers at the nest. Journal of Ornithology 153(2):273–283. Close ).