Melanochlora sultanea flavocristata

(Lafresnaye, 1837)

Vernacular names
English : Sultan tit
French : Mésange sultane

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Passeriformes
Family : Paridae
Notes : 3 other subspecies known.

Identification
Largest tit species, reaching a length of 21 cm for a weight of 49 g. Unmistakable with its long bright yellow crest. Head, breast, wings, back and tail black. Yellow belly. Female has brownish throat. This subspecies has a shorter crest. Juvenile has distinct plumage features.

Range and habitat
The species lives in South-east Asia, from Central Nepal and north-east India to south China (including Hainan), south to Malaysia. Also south-east China. Subspecies found on Hainan and from South Thailand and Myanmar to Malaysia and Sumatra. Lives in edges of submontane forests, bamboo forests and plantations, to 2000 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : This species is locally common but generally uncommon. Some populations are declining due to habitat destruction. Possibly extinct on Sumatra.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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