Coal Tit

Overview

The coal tit (Periparus ater) is a passerine bird in the tit family, Paridae. It is a widespread and common resident breeder in forests throughout the temperate to subtropical Palearctic, including North Africa. The black-crested tit is now included in this species.

Identification

• 10–11.5 cm in length with a glossy blue-black head, throat and neck.
• Distinctive large white nape spot contrasting with the black head.
• White tips on the wing coverts appear as two wingbars, while underparts are whitish, shading from buff to rufous on the flanks.
• Black bill, lead-coloured legs, and dark brown irises.

Habitat

Typically found in temperate humid conifer forest, but shows little habitat specificity. It is a year-round resident throughout most of its range, making only local movements in response to severe weather. In Bhutan, they are found at altitudes of around 3,000–3,800 m in forests dominated by Bhutan fir and Himalayan hemlock.

Diet

The diet is similar to that of other tits, with a particular enjoyment of beechmast and seeds picked from fir and larch cones. They join redpolls and siskins in alders and birches, and will visit gardens to feed on foods such as sunflower seeds. In winter, they form small flocks with other tit species.

Did you know?

The coal tit has the dubious distinction of being the host to the largest number of bird fleas (Ceratophyllus gallinae) reported in a single nest, with 5,754 fleas recorded. In winter, their red blood cells contain more mitochondria, which consume oxygen and produce heat.