Crested Tit

Overview

The crested tit (Lophophanes cristatus) is a passerine bird in the tit family Paridae. It is a widespread and common resident breeder in central and northern Europe, and it is found in the ancient pinewoods of Scotland in Great Britain.

Identification

• Possesses an erectile crest with a tip that is often recurved.
• Features distinctive gorget and collar markings.
• Produces a constant 'zee, zee, zee' call similar to that of the coal tit.

Habitat

It resides in coniferous forests throughout central and northern Europe, and in deciduous woodland in France and the Iberian Peninsula. In Great Britain, it is mainly restricted to the ancient pinewoods of Inverness and Strathspey in Scotland, with rare vagrants seen in England.

Diet

The crested tit feeds on insects, including caterpillars, as well as seeds. It often forages low down in trees and will join winter tit flocks with other species.

Did you know?

Its genus name, Lophophanes, is derived from Ancient Greek words meaning 'crest' and 'to show'. The species was formally described in 1758 by Carl Linnaeus and was originally placed in the genus Parus before being distinguished as its own genus.