Identification

Length: 14cm.

The head and throat are black with bluish highlights, white cheeks and yellow under parts with a broad black bib down the middle. They have yellowish backs with olive-green on the nape and grey on the rump. Their flight feathers are black. It has a black bill and greyish-blue legs. Both sexes are alike, as is their summer and winter plumage. Where the adults have white parts the youngsters will have yellowish bits.

Call

These birds have a very extensive vocabulary and can imitate a wide range of species. Constant calls can also be heard including a loud resonant ‘teecha-teecha-teecha’ as well as a ringing ‘zinc-zinc’.

Reproduction

Breeding starts from late March. The female builds a cup-shaped nest of roots, moss and grasses lined with hair, plant down and sometimes feathers. They nest in a hole in trees, rocks or walls, they may also use nest boxes.

They lay eight to thirteen white, with purplish-red speckles and blotches, eggs. The female alone incubates for about thirteen days. Both tend the young.

Habitat

Great Tit’s like woodland, orchards, gardens and parks. They like areas with scattered trees.

Natural Food

Insects, larvae, mollusc’s and earthworms. Also likes berries and seeds.

Where to Feed

Feeders – Ideally above 1m in height

Table – Open topped or covered

Ground – Not suitable