Yellow-cheeked Tit

The yellow-cheeked tit is a boldly patterned forest tit with a pointed black crest, black head and throat, bright yellow cheek patches and yellow underparts marked by a dark central stripe. The back is olive-green and the dark wings carry pale bars. Females are slightly duller, with less extensive black below. Its high crest and yellow face make it one of the most readily recognised tits in Vietnam's wooded highlands (Hong Kong Bird Watching Society species account; BirdForum species account).

It is resident from the eastern Himalayas through southern China and northern mainland Southeast Asia to southern Vietnam. Mature lowland and montane forest are central habitats, although scrub and wooded settlements are also used. Pairs or small parties forage in the lower canopy and frequently join mixed-species flocks, taking insects, caterpillars, fruit and seeds. Nesting occurs in cavities; compiled life-history data indicate a usual clutch of about five eggs (Hong Kong Bird Watching Society species account; Oiseaux.net species data).