Photo: Pierluigivinci · CC BY-SA 4.0
Coal tit
Periparus ater
The coal tit is the smallest of the European tits, a lively little bird of conifer woods recognisable by its white nape patch.
Characteristics
Temperament
Hyperactive, acrobatic, confiding
Diet
Insects, spiders and conifer seeds
Description
The coal tit is the smallest of the European tits, a tiny and very lively passerine of the tit family. It has a black head with white cheeks and, as its hallmark, a characteristic white patch on the nape, clearly visible. Its back is olive-grey and its belly whitish-buff. Compared with the great tit it is smaller, plainer and lacks the black belly stripe.
Habitat and distribution
It occurs across much of Eurasia and North Africa. It is closely tied to conifer woods, such as spruce and pine, where it moves nimbly among the needles, even upside down. It also frequents mixed woods, parks and gardens with conifers, and is mostly resident.
Behaviour
It is a hyperactive, acrobatic little bird that feeds on small insects, spiders and seeds, especially conifer seeds. It has the habit of hiding food stores among bark and needles, to recover them in times of scarcity. In winter it often joins mixed flocks with other tits.
Did you know?
Despite its tiny size, the coal tit can memorise the location of very many hidden food stores. Its voice is higher and thinner than the great tit's, with lively, repeated calls.
Conservation
It is classed as least concern and is very common. It does, however, depend on conifers: forestry that retains mature, diverse woodland favours its populations.
(Note: the mass value given by Wikidata, 1.04 kg, is clearly wrong: the coal tit actually weighs about 8–10 grams.)
Pros
- The smallest European tit
- Lively and easy to attract with feeders
- Useful predator of woodland insects
Cons
- Tied to conifer woods
- Vulnerable to very harsh winters
- Easily confused with other tits
