Guide to Species of Tit Birds

Great Tit

Scientific name: Parus major

Physical Appearance and Sounds

The Great Tit is quite distinctive with its black head and large white facial patch coupled with its yellow underparts. These birds are relatively large among the true tits, measuring about 14 cm in length. Their wings and back are greenish, and they have a noticeable black stripe running down their belly. Males and females look similar, but males often have a broader black stripe on their underparts. Their vocalizations include a distinctive “teacher-teacher” call, often heard in spring and early summer.

Geographical Location and Preferred Habitat

Great tits are widespread across Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. They thrive in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, gardens, and parks. These adaptable birds are often seen in urban areas, making them familiar to many people. They have also been observed in orchards, hedgerows, and even coniferous forests, showcasing their adaptability to different environments.

Behaviors and Diet

Great Tits are known for their intelligence and problem-solving skills. They have been observed opening milk bottle caps to access the cream inside. Their diet mainly consists of insects, seeds, and nuts. During the breeding season, they become highly territorial and can be quite aggressive in defending their nests. Great Tits are also known for their varied vocalizations and their ability to adapt their foraging techniques to different food sources.

Blue Tit

Scientific name: Cyanistes caeruleus

Physical Appearance and Sounds

The Eurasian Blue Tit is a small, vibrant bird known for its colorful mix of blue, yellow, white, and green. These little birds have a yellow breast, a blue cap, and a white face with a distinctive black stripe running through the eye. They also feature white wing bars and a black bib. A white spot on the nape of their neck adds to their striking appearance. Their small size, typically 11-12 cm in length, makes them agile and quick in their movements. Blue Tits have a high-pitched, trilling song and various call notes, including a distinctive “tsee-tsee-tsee” contact call.

Geographical Location and Preferred Habitat

Blue Tits are commonly found across Europe and parts of western Asia. Their range extends from the British Isles to the Caucasus and Iran, adapting to various climates within these regions. They thrive in woodlands, gardens, and parks, often visiting bird feeders and bird tables in urban areas. Blue tits prefer deciduous or mixed woodlands but have adapted well to human-altered landscapes.

Behaviors and Diet

Blue Tits have a varied diet that includes insects, seeds, and nuts. They are frequent visitors to bird feeders, where they enjoy sunflower seeds and peanuts. During the breeding season, they primarily feed on caterpillars and other small insects to provide protein for their young. Blue Tits are particularly adept at gleaning insects from the undersides of leaves, showcasing their acrobatic abilities while foraging. They are known to use nest boxes for raising their chicks and can become quite territorial during the breeding season.

Coal Tit

Scientific name: Periparus ater

Physical Appearance and Sounds

The Coal Tit is a small, active bird, easily recognized by its large black bib, white wingbars, and a broad white stripe on its nape. This combination of features makes it stand out among other tit species. The Coal Tit averages about 11 cm in length and has a distinctive gray back, black cap, and pale underparts. Their small size and agile nature allow them to access food sources that larger tits might struggle with. Coal Tits have a thin, high-pitched “pitchu” call and a repetitive song that sounds like “pitchu-pitchu-pitchu.”

Geographical Location and Preferred Habitat

Coal Tits are commonly found in temperate, humid conifer forests across Europe, the United Kingdom, Northern Africa, and Asia, including countries like Bosnia, Albania, Turkey, Georgia, and Iran. They are often seen in woodlands, especially conifer woods, parks, and gardens. Coal Tits have a particular affinity for pine forests but can adapt to mixed woodlands and even deciduous forests when necessary.

Behaviors and Diet

Coal Tits are known for their active and agile behavior. They are social birds, often seen in flocks, especially during the non-breeding season. Their diet mainly consists of small insects and seeds, which they forage actively among the trees and shrubs. Coal Tits are known for their food-caching behavior, storing seeds in bark crevices for later consumption, particularly during harsh winter months. This behavior helps them survive when food is scarce.

Marsh Tit

Scientific name: Poecile palustris

Physical Appearance and Sounds

The Marsh Tit is a small bird, measuring around 12 cm in length. It has a distinctive black crown, nape, and chin, with pale cheeks and a brown back. Its wings and tail are grayish-brown. They have a glossier cap compared to Willow Tits and a smaller bib. Marsh Tits have a variety of calls, including a sneezing “pitchou” alarm call and a distinctive “pit-pit-pit-pit-chou” song.

Geographical Location and Preferred Habitat

Marsh Tits are typically found in temperate forests across Europe and northern Asia. Despite their name, they prefer deciduous woodlands but can also be seen in mixed forests. These birds are often spotted in areas with dense undergrowth, which provides ample cover and food sources. Marsh Tits favor mature woodlands with a good understory, particularly those with oak, hazel, and hornbeam trees.

Behaviors and Diet

Marsh Tits usually nest in tree cavities, often using old woodpecker holes or excavating their own nesting sites in rotten wood. Their diet consists of insects, seeds, and nuts, varying seasonally. During spring and summer, they primarily feed on insects and spiders, while in autumn and winter, they switch to seeds and nuts. Marsh Tits are known to be monogamous and often maintain their pair bonds year-round, defending their territory even outside the breeding season. They are less likely to visit bird feeders compared to some other tit species.

Willow Tit

Scientific name: Poecile montanus

Physical Appearance and Sounds

The Willow Tit is a small bird, measuring around 11.5 cm in length and weighing about 11 grams. It can be recognized by its black cap that extends to the back of its neck and its small, untidy bib. The upper body is mid-brown, while the cheeks are white and the underparts are pale buff-grey. Both males and females look similar. Willow Tits have a duller, more matte cap compared to Marsh Tits. Their call is distinctively different from other tits, sounding like a nasal “zee-zee-zee” or a plaintive “tsyu-tsyu-tsyu.”

Geographical Location and Preferred Habitat

Willow Tits have a broad range, found throughout Europe and Asia. They prefer coniferous forests more than their close relative, the Marsh Tit. These birds are often seen in woodlands, especially those with a mix of trees and shrubs. They have a particular affinity for damp woodlands and areas with plenty of dead wood, which they use for nesting and foraging. In the UK, they are more common in the north and west, favoring willow scrub, damp woodland, and birch woodland.

Behaviors and Diet

During the winter months, Willow Tits primarily feed on seeds and nuts. In the warmer seasons, their diet shifts to include a variety of insects and other invertebrates. They are expert food cachers, remembering the locations of hundreds of food items they’ve hidden. This behavior is crucial for their survival in harsh winter conditions. Willow Tits are less likely to visit garden feeders compared to other tit species. They excavate their own nest holes in rotten wood, which is a key distinguishing behavior from the similar-looking Marsh Tit.

Crested Tit

Scientific name: Lophophanes cristatus

Physical Appearance and Sounds

The Crested Tit is easily recognizable due to its distinctive black collar and erectile crest, which often has a recurved tip. This bird has a mostly white body below with blue-grey wings. A thin black mask extends around its eyes, forming a “C” shape around the ears. Additionally, a thick vertical line runs from its bill to its collar. The crest can be raised or lowered depending on the bird’s mood, often being raised when the bird is excited or alarmed. Their call is a distinctive, rolling “burr-burr-burr” trill, quite different from other tit species.

Geographical Location and Preferred Habitat

Crested Tits are found throughout central and northern Europe, including France, the Iberian Peninsula, and parts of England. Their range extends eastward to parts of Russia and southward to some Mediterranean regions. These birds prefer temperate, humid conifer forests, particularly those dominated by pine trees. They are generally non-migratory, maintaining their territories year-round.

Behaviors and Diet

Crested Tits are adaptable birds with a mixed diet that includes seeds and insects. During the breeding season, they are particularly active in foraging to feed their young. They are known to store food in crevices and under bark for later consumption. Crested Tits have a unique foraging technique, often hanging upside down to access food sources on the underside of branches and needles in coniferous trees. They are less social than some other tit species and are often seen in pairs or small family groups rather than large flocks.

Long-tailed Tit

Scientific name: Aegithalos caudatus

Physical Appearance and Sounds

The Long-tailed Tit, also known as the long-tailed bushtit, is a small bird with a distinctive long tail. These birds measure about 14 cm in length, with their tail making up half of this length. Their plumage is mainly black and white, with touches of pink and gray. The head is white with black stripes above the eyes, and the body is pinkish, fading to white on the underparts. Their exceptionally long tail helps them balance as they move through branches. Long-tailed Tits have a high-pitched, rippling “si-si-si-si-si” call and a “tsirrup” contact call.

Geographical Location and Preferred Habitat

Long-tailed Tits are found throughout Europe and the Palearctic region, making them a common sight in the northern hemisphere. They prefer woodlands, gardens, and hedgerows, but can also adapt to other environments. These birds are particularly fond of mixed deciduous woodlands with a dense understory, which provides both food and shelter. Their range extends from the British Isles across continental Europe and into Asia.

Behaviors and Diet

These birds are highly social and often seen in flocks. They exhibit a fission-fusion society, where flocks can split into smaller groups or individuals and later reunite. This social behavior helps them in foraging and protection against predators. Long-tailed Tits feed primarily on insects and spiders, but will also eat seeds in winter. During the breeding season, they are known for their cooperative breeding behavior, where failed breeders often help related pairs raise their young, increasing the overall survival rate of the population. They build elaborate, elastic nests made of moss, lichen, and spider webs.

Bearded Tit

Scientific name: Panurus biarmicus

Physical Appearance and Sounds

The Bearded Tit, also known as the Bearded Reedling, is a small bird with a long tail. Males have a striking appearance with a blue-gray head, a black mustache-like marking, and a white face. Females are more subdued in color, with brownish tones and no mustache. Both sexes have long, graduated tails and short, strong bills adapted for their reed-dwelling lifestyle. Their eyes are bright yellow, adding to their distinctive appearance. Bearded Tits have a variety of calls, including a metallic “ping” sound and a nasal “chee-arr” call.

Geographical Location and Preferred Habitat

Bearded Tits are typically found in reed beds near water in the temperate zones of Eurasia. They prefer dense reed beds for nesting and foraging. During winter, they may move away from breeding areas but still stay close to reed beds. Their range extends from western Europe to central Asia, with some isolated populations in southern Europe and northern Africa. They are particularly associated with large reed beds around lakes, marshes, and estuaries.

Behaviors and Diet

Their diet mainly consists of insects during the summer and reed seeds in the winter. They are adept at foraging in the dense reeds, using their long tails for balance as they move through the vegetation. Bearded Tits have a unique adaptation to their reed-dwelling lifestyle: they ingest small gravel and grit to help grind the tough reed seeds in their gizzards during winter months when insects are scarce. They are social birds, often seen in small flocks outside the breeding season. During breeding, they form monogamous pairs and both parents participate in nest building and chick rearing.

Azure Tit

Scientific name: Cyanistes cyanus

Physical Appearance and Sounds

The Azure Tit is a small bird, growing to about 12 cm in length and weighing up to 10 grams. It has blue upperparts and white underparts, with a distinctive dark line running through its eyes. The wings are blue, and the tail corners are white. This bird’s head is mostly white, making it easy to identify. The azure blue coloration is particularly vivid on the wings, tail, and crown, creating a striking contrast with the white body. Their calls include a thin, high-pitched “tsee-tsee-tsee” and a more musical “ti-ti-tuee” song.

Geographical Location and Preferred Habitat

Azure Tits are found across a wide range, from eastern Poland and Finland through western and southern Russia, Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, north-western China, Manchuria, and Mongolia. They prefer habitats with dense vegetation, such as forests and shrublands. In particular, they favor riverine forests and wooded areas near water bodies, where they can find both food and nesting sites. They are often associated with birch and willow trees in their habitat.

Behaviors and Diet

Azure Tits are known for their active and social behavior. They often form small flocks, especially outside the breeding season. Their diet mainly consists of insects and seeds, with a preference for small invertebrates during the breeding season. During winter, they rely more heavily on seeds and berries. Azure Tits are also known for their acrobatic feeding behavior, often hanging upside down to reach food on the underside of branches. During the breeding season, they become more territorial and can be seen defending their nesting sites vigorously. They typically nest in tree cavities or old woodpecker holes.

Black-capped Chickadee

Scientific name: Poecile atricapillus

Physical Appearance and Sounds

The Black-capped Chickadee is a small bird with a distinctive black cap and bib, white cheeks, and soft gray back. Their wings have white edges, and their underparts are buffy on the sides and white beneath. The black cap extends down to just beyond the black eyes, making them hard to see. Their small size, typically 12-15 cm in length, allows them to be agile foragers in both trees and shrubs. Their vocalizations include the familiar “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call, which can vary in the number of “dee” notes depending on the level of threat or excitement. They also have a clear, whistled “fee-bee” song.

Geographical Location and Preferred Habitat

Black-capped Chickadees are native to the northern USA and Canada. Their range extends from Alaska to Newfoundland in the north, and south to northern California and New Mexico in the western US, and northern Virginia in the east. They are recognized as the state bird of Massachusetts and Maine in the US and the provincial bird of New Brunswick in Canada. These birds prefer deciduous and mixed forests but can also be found in parks, suburban areas, and forest edges. They are well-adapted to cold climates and do not migrate.

Behaviors and Diet

Black-capped Chickadees are known for their curious and friendly nature. They primarily feed on insects, seeds, and berries. During winter, they often join mixed-species flocks. These birds are also known for their ability to hide food and remember its location for later consumption. Their remarkable spatial memory allows them to recover cached food even after several weeks. Black-capped Chickadees are also known for their complex vocalizations, which serve various social functions within their flocks. They are frequent visitors to bird feeders, especially in winter. During breeding season, they excavate nest cavities in rotting wood or use existing cavities.

Tufted Titmouse

Scientific name: Baeolophus bicolor

Physical Appearance and Sounds

The Tufted Titmouse is a small, energetic bird with a prominent crest on its head, a gray back, and a whitish underbelly. Its large black eyes are striking against its soft face, framed by pale cheeks, while the black patch above its bill adds to its distinctive appearance. These birds also display light rust-colored flanks and a slightly darker gray on their wings and tail. Typically 15-17 cm in length, the Tufted Titmouse is a nimble flier and forager, adept at navigating dense foliage. Their common call is a clear, whistled “peter-peter-peter,” which is repeated in rapid succession. They also have a range of other sounds, including scolds and quick chatter.

Geographical Location and Preferred Habitat

Tufted Titmice are found in the eastern and southeastern United States, with their range extending from southern Minnesota and New York down to Texas and Florida. Unlike some other small birds, they tend to stay within the same region year-round, making them common residents in deciduous and mixed woodlands, as well as suburban areas and parks. Their adaptability to various environments, including bird feeders, has made them popular among backyard birdwatchers. Though they prefer dense, mature forests with plenty of tree cover, they are also comfortable in more open areas as long as there are trees or shrubs for foraging and nesting.

Behaviors and Diet

Known for their curious and bold nature, Tufted Titmice often travel in mixed-species flocks, especially during winter, when food is scarce. Their diet consists primarily of insects, including caterpillars and beetles, as well as seeds, nuts, and berries. Like chickadees, Tufted Titmice have a habit of storing food in hidden caches, particularly in the colder months. They are frequent visitors to bird feeders, where they show a preference for sunflower seeds and suet. In terms of nesting behavior, these birds often use tree cavities or nest boxes, lining their nests with soft materials such as fur or grass. They are monogamous, with pairs staying together throughout the year.

Varied Tit

Scientific name: Sittiparus varius

Physical Appearance and Sounds

The Varied Tit is a striking bird, known for its colorful appearance and active behavior. It sports a black head with bright white cheeks, contrasting with its orange underparts. Its back and wings are a soft bluish-gray, adding to its distinctive look. These small birds typically measure around 14 cm in length. Their vocal repertoire includes a mix of whistles and trills, which are commonly heard in the forests they inhabit.

Geographical Location and Preferred Habitat

Native to East Asia, Varied Tits are commonly found in Japan, Korea, and parts of China. They prefer deciduous and mixed forests, particularly in hilly or mountainous regions, where they thrive among dense trees. While they are primarily forest birds, they can also be seen in parks and gardens, especially during the non-breeding season.

Behaviors and Diet

Agile and acrobatic, Varied Tits are often observed foraging by hanging upside down to reach food. Their omnivorous diet includes insects, seeds, and berries, making them adaptable to seasonal changes. During the breeding season, these birds become territorial and tend to keep to themselves. Outside of this time, they may form small flocks and sometimes join other species in mixed feeding groups. This cooperative behavior helps them find food more efficiently, especially in winter when resources are scarcer.