Penduline titmice

(Remizidae)

Class: Aves

Order: Passeriformes

Suborder: Passeri (Oscines)

Family: Remizidae

Thumbnail description
A variable group of small passerines with short wings and tails, and delicate heads. Plumage is uniform and dull-colored in both males and females. Bill is not curved but straight

Size
3–4.3 in (7.5–11 cm); 0.16–0.44 oz (4.6–12.5 g)

Number of genera, species
4 genera; 10 species

Habitat
Varied: deserts, wetlands, scrub and forest

Conservation status
Not threatened

Distribution
Wide distribution from Africa through Europe and into Asia; one species in North America

Evolution and systematics

There are 10 species of penduline tit in four genera, according to Peters (1934–1986). However, classification is problematic. Traditionally they are placed in their own family, the Remizidae, but more recent classification based on DNA analysis suggests they may be better placed as a subfamily (Remizinae) in a larger Paridae family, which also includes the true tits, i.e. chickadees (Sibley and Ahlquist 1990).

Physical characteristics

The penduline tits are small passerines ranging in length from the 3 in (75 mm) tit-hylia (Pholidornis rushiae) to the larger 4.3 in (110 mm) European penduline tit (Remiz pendulinus). Their color and form is quite variable, reflecting the group's diversity. Upper parts range from gray to chestnut, to olive green, and underparts from white to yellow. Some, such as those in the Remiz genus, show distinctive black masks. The African penduline tits (genus Anthroscopus) are similar to leaf warblers (Sylviidae). Tail length is variable; some of the African penduline tits and fire-capped tits (Cephalopyrus flam-miceps) have quite short tails, whereas those of the European penduline tits are relatively long. Perhaps the most constant family feature is the bill, which in most species is conical and sharply pointed.

Distribution

With the exception of the North American verdins (Auriparus flaviceps), the penduline tits are primarily an Old World family with a wide distribution from Africa through Europe and into Asia.

Habitat

Penduline tits are found in a range of habitats from the deserts of Arizona to the expansive reedbeds of the black-headed penduline tits (Remiz macronyx) and the sub-Saharan scrub and forests of the African penduline tits.

Behavior

Penduline tits are extremely active and agile birds. Typically, they are found in pairs or in small groups. Forest-dwelling species spend much time in the tree canopy, using their agility to move through branches, sometimes nimbly making their way along the undersides of twigs and boughs. Like long-tailed tits (Aegithalidae), they may roost in groups at night. Verdins are of particular interest in their construction of roosting nests. These are similar to breeding nests but lack soft linings and are generally less "finished."

Penduline tits from north temperate areas migrate outside the breeding season; other species are largely sedentary.

Calls are high pitched and songs range from the rich vocalizations of the Remiz to the rather more repetitious Anthoscopus. They are territorial in the breeding season, but the territory is largely confined to the immediate environs of the nest. This small, defended area leaves room for possible semicolonial nesting in species such as the European penduline tit.

Feeding ecology and diet

Penduline tits feed on a variety of invertebrates, fruit, and seeds. Like true tits, they are able to grasp food in one foot and peck at the item with their bill. Often they search for food, such as spider's nests, in crevices and holes in trees.

Reproductive biology

The mating system, where studied, has proven highly complex. European penduline tits can be monogamous, polygamous, and polyandrous. With the African penduline tit, the presence of unusually large clutches in single nests may be evidence of the attentions of more than one female.

In northern temperate species, breeding takes place from April through July. In Africa, breeding depends on local climatic conditions, with some species nesting in the rainy season and others in the dry season.

Penduline tits derive their family name from their free-hanging, pendulous nests. These are found in a variety of locations in the branches of trees and shrubs or, in the case of European penduline and black-headed tits, from groups of reeds.

They are teardrop or pear-like in shape with a convenient entrance hole towards the top. In some genera, such as the Anthoscopus, this entrance has a ledge sometimes visited by other birds. The entrance is fastened together when not in use as a defense against predators. In addition, when the en-trance is closed in this way the ledge gives the appearance of a confusing false entrance.

Nests are constructed from plant matter in most cases, compressed to produce a durable exterior and lined with softer grasses, mosses, and lichens inside for a snug home. The conspicuous nest of the verdin differs a little in construction in that the exterior is woven from hundreds to as many as 2,000 thorny twigs. The fire-capped tit is the only one without a pendulous nest, preferring an altogether more conservative cup-shaped structure hidden a tree hole.

Most penduline tit eggs are white. Clutch size varies from two to nine. Where observed, incubation takes between 13 and 17 days. Once the chicks hatch, care of the young is often shared between parents. In some species, care may be cooperative within a larger group (e.g. tit-hylia).

Conservation status

The European penduline tit considerably expanded its range westwards between the 1930s and the 1980s. Likewise, the Chinese penduline tit (Remiz consobrinus) has also increased in observed numbers on migration and on its wintering sites. Others, such as the white-crowned (Remiz coronatus) and black-headed tits, are not faring as well in face of the relentless intensification of agriculture and development of land. Some species though, especially the Anthoscopus, are described as uncommon but may simply be over-looked by observers.

Significance to humans

Admired as architects, they are otherwise of little significance to humans. However, the nests of European penduline tits have been used in Eastern Europe as slippers for children.

Species accounts

Resources

Campbell, B. and E. Lack. A Dictionary of Birds. San Diego: T and A D Poyser, 1985.

Harrap, S. and D. Quinn. Chickadees, Tits, Nuthatches and Treecreepers. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1996.

Snow, D.W. and C.M. Perrins. Birds of the Western Palearctic. Concise Edition. Vol. 2, Passerines. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998.

[Article by: Tony Whitehead, BSc]