Melaniparus is a
genus of
birds in the
tit family that is recognized by some authorities, such as Clements (2007). Analysis of its mtDNA cytochrome b sequence (Gill et al., 2005) indicates that these birds may indeed form a clade, but the interrelationships of the species between them and with the
Parus sensu strictissimo is not resolved enough at present; it appears however that separating Melaniparus as a genus of Parus, instead of merely a subgenus, is unwarranted. The following
species, all from
Africa and mostly having dark plumage, have been placed in it:
- Carp's tit, Parus carpi
- White-bellied tit, Parus albiventris
- White-shouldered black tit, Parus guineensis
- White-winged black tit, Parus leucomelas
- Southern black tit, Parus niger
- White-backed black tit, Parus leuconotus
- Dusky tit, Parus funereus
- Rufous-bellied tit, Parus rufiventris
- Cinnamon-breasted tit, Parus pallidiventris
- Red-throated tit, Parus fringillinus
- Stripe-breasted tit, Parus fasciiventer
- Acacia tit or Somali Tit, Parus thruppi
- Miombo tit, Parus griseiventris
- Ashy tit, Parus cinerascens
- Grey tit, Parus afer
