The blue tit is a small, vibrant bird, a familiar sight in many European gardens and woodlands. Known for its distinctive plumage and lively demeanor, this adaptable species thrives in diverse environments, from dense forests to suburban parks.
Identifying a Blue Tit
Blue tits measure 10.5 to 12 centimeters (4.1 to 4.7 inches) in length with a wingspan of 17.5 to 20 centimeters (6.9 to 7.9 inches). They weigh approximately 11 grams (0.39 ounces), roughly half the size of a robin.
Their plumage features a bright blue cap, white cheeks framed by a dark line through the eye and chin, and a white forehead. Their back is yellowish-green, and underparts are sulphur-yellow, often with a narrow dark line down the breast. The intensity of the yellow on its belly can indicate the amount of carotene pigments obtained from its diet.
They have a small, pointed black beak and bluish-grey legs. Juvenile blue tits are duller, with yellowish faces and greenish-brown upperparts, developing adult plumage by autumn.
Habitat and Diet
Blue tits inhabit deciduous and mixed woodlands, particularly those with oak trees, across temperate and subarctic Europe and parts of Western Asia. They are also frequently observed in parks, gardens, and hedgerows, adapting well to human-modified landscapes. This species can live in urban centers where foraging opportunities and nesting cavities are available.
Their diet varies seasonally, primarily consisting of insects and spiders during the breeding season. Caterpillars are an important food source for feeding their young; parents may bring up to 100 caterpillars a day to their chicks. Outside the breeding season, blue tits supplement their diet with seeds, nuts, and berries, including peanuts and sunflower seeds from bird feeders. They often hang upside down from branches and feeders to access food.
Nesting and Behavior
Blue tits are cavity nesters, using tree holes, wall crevices, or adapting to man-made nest boxes. The female constructs a cup-shaped nest from materials like moss, leaves, hair, and grass, lining it with feathers and spider webs. Some nests may even incorporate aromatic herbs, which are thought to have disinfectant properties.
Clutch sizes range from 7 to 12 eggs, which are white with reddish speckles. The female alone incubates the eggs for 12 to 16 days, with the male often bringing her food. Once hatched, chicks remain in the nest for 15 to 23 days, fed by both parents.
Blue tits communicate with various vocalizations, including a high-pitched, chattering song. They also emit alarm scolds and contact notes. Outside the breeding season, blue tits often form larger, mixed-species flocks with other tit species to forage.