This tit is described as a sultan because of its exotic plumage, of glossy black back, bright golden-yellow chest and flowing long yellow crest. It is the largest member of its family, and is twice as large as the Coal Tit of Europe. Gould quoted from T.C. Jerdon, 'This magnificent tit is only found in the warmer valleys of the Himalayas, and through Burma to the Malayan peninsula, and even to Sumatra. Near Darjeeling it is common in the valley of the great Runjaeel, about 1,200 feet and thence ascends to above 4,000 feet. It frequents the tops of high trees, feeding on insects chiefly, and emits a rather loud note.'
The tits are depicted lifesize. The female, above, is similar to the male, but has a greenish-olive throat, whereas the male's throat is dark blue. The plant is Epigynium acuminatum Acuminate-leaved Epigynium, adapted from the illustration by W. Fitch in Curtis's Botanical Magazine, 1857, vol.83, pl.5010 . The bright coral-red flowers were found abundantly in the Himalayas by Dr J. Hooker at elevations of 3,000 to 4,000 feet.
T.C. Jerdon, Birds of India, 1862-64, II, part 1, p.282
DISTRIBUTION: Southern Asia from northeastern India and southern China, south to southeastern Asia, though not in central Thailand, Cambodia and southern Vietnam