Sombre Tit

Overview

The sombre tit (Poecile lugubris) is a passerine bird belonging to the family Paridae, commonly known as the true tits and chickadees. It is currently classified on the IUCN Red List as Least Concern.

Identification

• Smaller than a great tit but proportionally similar, resembling a willow tit but with a brownish to grey-black cap that extends further down the sides of the head.
• The off-white cheek patch is restricted to a narrow triangle by a larger bib.
• The head is often peaked when the bird stands upright, distinguishing it from the willow tit.
• Juveniles appear duller and tinged with brown compared to adults.

Habitat

Found in southeastern Europe and western Asia, ranging from Slovenia and Romania south to Crete and east into Iran and Israel. It inhabits thin woodlands between 1000 and 1600 metres elevation, favouring mosaic landscapes with moderate shrub and tree cover that receive high insolation. Breeding occurs on mountain slopes, in open deciduous forests, rocky terrain, and fruit orchards.

Diet

The diet consists mainly of insects, particularly caterpillars and other larvae. The bird forages both on the ground and in lower branches.

Did you know?

In addition to nesting in natural cavities in juniper, willow, and poplar trees, sombre tits have been observed using iron pipes from orchard fencing as nesting sites.