Coal tit

Several members of the tit family are quite easily confused with each other, and the coal tit (Parus ater) is one of them! In some respects it is not unlike the great tit, and the marsh tit and willow tit are also close look-alikes.

The coal tit is resident throughout virtually the whole of the United Kingdom and it is also widespread throughout Europe, northern Asia and northwest Africa. It is found mainly in coniferous forests, and its absence from certain localities, such as the eastern English fens, is largely due to the lack of such forests in those areas.


Appearance

At around 11 centimetres (4.3 inches) in length, the coal tit is the smallest member of its family. It is noticeable for its large head and stumpy tail. Its short, slender bill is smaller than is seen on blue or great tits, this being so that it can feed easily on conifer seeds.

Its black head and white cheek patches are typical of tits, but the coal tit can be distinguished by the white (or yellowish) stripe on the back of the head. The underparts are light-coloured, with the back grey or even with an olive sheen. The wings are grey-brown with two white bars. Males and females have similar plumage.


Behaviour

Coal tits are as active as blue tits in their feeding habits, but they can also be seen crawling up tree trunks rather like treecreepers. One unusual habit of coal tits is that they will store food for later use.

Preferred food includes insects, larvae and spiders. Adult birds also feed on seeds and nuts, and they are often seen at garden bird tables in winter.

The voice of the coal tit is thin and piping, usually two high repeated notes not unlike those of the goldcrest. A recording of the voice, together with a short video and other information, is available on this page of the RSPB website.


Breeding

Nests are built at the end of April, sites including tree cavities, tree stumps, rock or wall crevices or even holes in the ground. The nest comprises moss with a lining of hairs. A clutch of seven to eleven eggs is incubated by the female alone for 14 or 15 days. Both parents feed the young. The young coal tits leave the nest at 16 or 17 days but stay close to the nest, still fed by their parents, for another two weeks or so.

A second brood is often raised in July. After the nesting period ends, coal tits form flocks to roam the woods and countryside, often with other members of the tit family.

© John Welford