Periparus ater
The Coal Tit, Periparus ater, is a diminutive and active member of the tit family (Paridae), easily recognized by its distinctive black cap, prominent white cheek patches, and a striking white patch on the nape that contrasts with its slate-grey back. Measuring approximately 10-11.5 cm in length and weighing a mere 7-12 grams, it is among the smallest tits in its range, often appearing compact and agile. Its underparts are typically buffy-white, often with a slight yellowish wash, and its fla...
Primarily inhabits coniferous forests, especially spruce and fir, but also mixed woodlands, parks, and large gardens. Found from sea level to high mountain elevations.
Primarily feeds on small insects (e.g., caterpillars, aphids, spiders) during spring and summer, supplemented heavily by conifer seeds (spruce, pine, fir) and beech mast in autumn and winter. Forages by gleaning from foliage and bark, as well as extracting seeds from cones.
Coal Tits are active, diurnal foragers, spending most of their day gleaning insects and seeds from tree branches, often hanging acrobatically upside down. They are highly adept at extracting seeds from conifer cones and are prodigious food-cachers, meticulously hiding thousands of seeds in crevic...
The Coal Tit boasts an extensive Palearctic breeding range, spanning across Eurasia and parts of North Africa. From the British Isles and Scandinavia, its distribution stretches eastward through central and eastern Europe, across Russia, Siberia, and into East Asia, including Japan, Korea, and Ch...
Least Concern
- The Coal Tit is the smallest tit species found in Europe. - It is an exceptional food cacher, sometimes storing thousands of seeds and insects to survive harsh winter months, often remembering their locations with remarkable accuracy. - Unlike many other tits, the Coal Tit shows a strong prefer...