Chinese Penduline-Tit Remiz consobrinus Scientific name definitions

The Chinese Penduline-Tit is a small and unique member of the genus Remiz. Like other penduline-tits, its attractive pouch-like nest and nest building skills never fail to astonish observers. Local people have given the beautiful and appropriate common name “delicate tit” (when translated into English).

Adults have a striking head pattern with a narrow "bandit" mask, black in males and brown in females. The overall brown and rusty plumage blends well within wetland reeds, one of the species' favorite habitats. In overwintering areas of East China, birders have nicknamed it the “Shrike-let" for their resemblance to several shrike species (Laniidae) within the same range.

The breeding biology is one of the most fascinating aspects of the Chinese Penduline-Tit. Unlike other penduline-tits, this species exhibits a diversity of approaches to parental care, with male-only or female-only care, bi-parental care, and bi-parental desertion, all within in a single population! The construction of the pouch-like nest and entrance tube can take up to three weeks. But before completion, the nest serves as a "performance stage" for the male to attract a mate, and after construction is completed by the pair, it provides a warm shelter for eggs and nestlings.

Apart from the breeding biology, relatively little is known about the Chinese Penduline-Tit, despite it being fairly common in parts of its range. Research focusing on sexual conflicts during the breeding period, migration, overwintering ecology, and demography are needed.