The Paridae family includes small, active songbirds. While “c tits” is not a formal ornithological term, it commonly refers to popular species whose names begin with ‘C’, primarily the Coal Tit and the Crested Tit. This article guides differentiation of these birds by detailing their characteristics, habitats, and vocalizations.
The Coal Tit
The Coal Tit, scientifically known as Periparus ater, is a small passerine bird, typically measuring around 11.5 to 12 centimeters in length and weighing 8 to 10 grams. Its plumage features a distinctive black cap, bright white cheeks, and a prominent white patch on the nape of its neck. The body is generally grey-black above with buff-colored underparts, and its wings often show two subtle white bars.
This species inhabits a range of environments, including coniferous woodlands, mixed forests, and even urban gardens, particularly where bird feeders are present. Their diet consists primarily of insects, spiders, and seeds from conifers like fir and larch, as well as beechmast. Coal Tits exhibit a behavior of caching food, storing seeds and nuts in various crevices for later consumption, especially during colder months. Its call is a thin, high-pitched “see-tsoo” or “if-he, if-he, if-he,” which is faster and higher in pitch than the similar call of the Great Tit.
The Crested Tit
The Crested Tit, Lophophanes cristatus, is identifiable by its erectile crest, speckled with black and white. It features a black “bridle” marking on its white cheeks and a thin black collar below its chin. The back is brown-gray, contrasting with paler, whitish-beige underparts.
This bird prefers coniferous forests, especially native Scots Pine woodlands. It forages for small insects, larvae, and spiders among tree branches during warmer months, shifting to conifer seeds, like pine seeds, in winter. The Crested Tit’s vocalization is a trilling, purring call often described as “tsi tsi tsigurrr.”
Identifying Common Tits
Key differences between the Coal Tit and Crested Tit include the Coal Tit’s white nape patch versus the Crested Tit’s speckled black and white crest. Their preferred habitats also differ, with Coal Tits found in mixed woodlands and gardens, and Crested Tits preferring coniferous forests. Vocalizations provide another distinction: the Coal Tit’s high-pitched “see-tsoo” contrasts with the Crested Tit’s trilling, purring calls.
Other common tit species can also be encountered. The Great Tit (Parus major) is larger, featuring a glossy black head with white cheeks, an olive-green back, and a yellow belly marked by a black stripe down its center. This “black tie” is broader in males. The Blue Tit (Cyanistes caerulea) is smaller, recognized by its bright blue cap, white cheeks, a black line through its eye, a greenish-blue back, and a yellow belly. Observing these specific markings aids in accurate identification.