Gould commented that a vast number of tit species were known in the Old World and north America, but a new species had been discovered in China by Robert Swinhoe. Its habitat was described by Swinhoe, 'This charming species occurs throughout the precipitous mountain-gorges between which the great Yangtsze runs, from Kweifoo in Szechwan, to Ichang in Hupeh. I found it in the latter place, in company with the Parus minor. It is a very active little bird, and has a peculiar, sibilant note.'
The birds are shown lifesize. Richter's composition of tits on a larch branch is reminiscent of the Blue Tit depicted in The Birds of Great Britain, II, 1862, pl.24.
R. Swinhoe, Proceedings of the Zoological Society, 1870, p.133
DISTRIBUTION: Eastern, central and southern China from southern Kansu, southern Shensi and Hopeh south to eastern Szechwan, Yunnan, Kwangtung, Hunan and Hupeh