Coal Tit

“Periparus atur”

The smallest bird of its kind and so similar to the Marsh Tit and Willow Tit.

It is olive/grey on top and buff coloured underneath with a black crown and bib. The cheeks and nape are white.

There are two white wing bars on each wing.

They feed on conifer seeds and insects and in our gardens they prefer sunflower seeds and suet.

They build their nests in tree hollows.

The female incubates but both parents feed the young.

They can be seen all year round.

They are 11.5cm in length.

They have a wingspan of 17 to 21cm.

They weigh in at just 8 to 10g.