Coal tit (Periparus ater)

The Coal Tit (Periparus ater) is a small passerine bird in the family Paridae, widely distributed across Europe and Asia, as well as parts of North Africa. It is the smallest member of the tit family in Europe and is often recognized by its contrasting black-and-white head pattern. Though similar to the Great Tit and Blue Tit, the Coal Tit has distinct features that set it apart.

Physical Description:

• Size: About 11–12 cm in length, with a wingspan of 17–21 cm.
• Weight: Typically weighs around 8–10 grams.
• Plumage: The Coal Tit has a glossy black crown and nape with a striking white patch on the nape (the back of the head), giving it a unique appearance among tits. Its cheeks are pale white, and it has a small, neat black bib on its throat. The back is a soft olive-gray or brownish color, and its underparts are a light, buffy cream. The wings are gray with two pale wing bars, which are helpful in identifying the bird in flight or from a distance.
• Bill and Legs: Short, stubby black bill and dark gray to black legs.

Behavior:

• Feeding: Coal Tits are active, agile feeders that primarily eat insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates during the breeding season, while in winter, they switch to a diet of seeds, nuts, and berries. They are often seen clinging to the underside of branches or feeding on conifer seeds. They frequently visit garden feeders, where they prefer sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet.
• Foraging: Unlike many other tits, the Coal Tit has a particular fondness for coniferous woodland, where it specializes in foraging among the needles of trees like pine and spruce. They will also cache food for winter, storing seeds in crevices of tree bark or under moss, showing remarkable spatial memory to retrieve these stores later.
• Social Behavior: During the breeding season, Coal Tits are territorial and often solitary or found in pairs, but during the winter months, they form small mixed-species flocks with other tits, finches, and goldcrests. This helps them find food more efficiently and increases protection from predators.

Breeding:

• Nesting: Coal Tits typically nest in tree holes or nest boxes, often at lower heights. They can excavate their own cavity in decayed wood, but they also readily use old woodpecker holes or other natural crevices. The nest is made of moss, grass, and feathers.
• Clutch Size: The female lays 6-11 eggs, which are white with reddish-brown speckles. She incubates them for around 14–16 days, and after hatching, both parents feed the chicks. The fledglings leave the nest after about 18–21 days.
• Breeding Season: The breeding season typically occurs from April to June, and it’s common for the Coal Tit to raise two broods in a season, especially in more southern parts of its range.

Vocalization:

• The Coal Tit has a varied and distinctive repertoire of calls. The most common is a high-pitched “tee-cher” or “see-see-see,” which is often repeated in a rapid series. Its song is a simple, repetitive series of notes, which is softer and less varied compared to other tits, like the Great Tit. Their vocalizations are an important way they maintain contact with others, especially within winter flocks.

Habitat:

Coal Tits prefer coniferous and mixed woodlands but can also be found in parks, gardens, and hedgerows, particularly during the winter. In northern and mountainous regions, they are more strictly tied to coniferous forests, while in more temperate zones, they also inhabit deciduous woodland.

Range:

This species is widespread across Europe and into Asia, reaching as far as Japan in the east. It is resident across most of its range, meaning it does not typically migrate, though some populations in harsher climates may move to lower altitudes or more southerly regions during the winter.

Conservation Status:

The Coal Tit is listed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN, as its population is stable and widespread. Urbanization and deforestation pose some challenges, but this adaptable bird has proven capable of thriving in both natural forests and human-modified environments. Its presence in urban gardens, where feeders and nesting boxes are available, further supports its population.

Interesting Facts:

• Unlike many other small birds, Coal Tits have the unusual ability to remember where they’ve hidden food, even after several days, which is a vital survival strategy in the winter months.
• The species’ preference for coniferous habitats is reflected in its finely adapted feeding technique, including extracting seeds from pine cones.
• Coal Tits are among the most active birds, constantly flitting from branch to branch in search of food, making them a lively presence in woodlands and gardens.

In summary, the Coal Tit (Periparus ater) is a resourceful, adaptable, and widely distributed bird with a distinctive appearance and an impressive ability to thrive in various environments, from coniferous forests to urban parks. Its unique behaviors and vocalizations make it a favorite among birdwatchers, particularly in the colder months when it visits feeders and participates in mixed-species foraging flocks.

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