All About Coal Tits - Coal Tit Facts & Information

About Coal Tit birds

The Coal Tit is a small passerine bird belonging to the Paridae family, also known as the tit family, which includes other species such as the Blue Tit, Willow Tit, Marsh Tit and Great Tit. The Coal Tit scientific name is Periparus ater, however their common name reflects their dark grey colour and black bib on their upper breast.

It is a common bird species throughout Europe and Asia, with an estimated global population of around 300 million individuals.

Coal Tits are known for their energetic and acrobatic behaviour, and they are frequently seen climbing up and down tree trunks and branches in search of food. They are a popular bird among birdwatchers and backyard bird enthusiasts due to their distinctive appearance and cheerful song.

What do Coal Tits look like?

Coal Tits are small birds, measuring around 10 cm (4 inches) in length and weighing between 6 and 10 grams.

Unlike other tit species, such as Blue Tits which are brightly coloured, Coal Tits colouring is duller than other tits, however they have striking markings including a rectangular white patch and a characteristic head pattern. They have a distinctive black and white pattern on their head, with a black cap and white cheeks.

Their upper-parts are dark greyish-brown, while their underparts are lighter grey. They have a small, sharp beak and short, stubby tail. Male and female Coal Tits look alike, although males have slightly larger black caps.

Coal Tit bird song

The Coal Tit has a distinctive, high-pitched song that is a series of clear, ringing notes. The song is often described as sounding like "tee-tee-tee-tee" or "see-see-see-see."

It is a cheerful, lively song that is frequently heard in woodlands and gardens throughout its range.

Coal Tit habitats - Where do Coal Tits live?

Coal Tits are widespread throughout Europe and Asia, and they can be found in a wide variety of habitats, including deciduous and coniferous woodland, parks, gardens, and hedgerows.

They are also common in urban areas, particularly in parks and gardens with mature trees. Coal Tits are non-migratory birds, and they typically stay in their breeding territories year-round.

If you're looking to attract Coal Tits into your garden, you can add an array of nest boxes or bird feeders (all of which are available on the Awesome Wildlife Company website). It won't be long until you sport a Coal Tit perched on a ledge or in your conifer trees if you create a welcoming environment for them to visit.

How long do Coal Tits live?

Coal Tits have a relatively short lifespan, with most individuals living for around 2-3 years. However, some individuals have been known to live for up to 7 years in the wild.

When do Coal Tits Nest

Coal Tits typically start nesting in late March or early April, although this can vary depending on the location and climate.

In the wild, they build their nests in tree holes, crevices, or other natural or man-made cavities in conifer woods or coniferous woodland. In urban areas they will seek out nest boxes like other species of garden birds.

The female lays a clutch of 6-12 eggs, which she incubates for around 14 days. Both parents feed and care for the chicks until they fledge, which usually takes around 20-25 days.

Coal Tit Breeding

Coal Tits are monogamous birds, and pairs usually mate for life. During the breeding season, males court females by singing and performing acrobatic displays, such as hanging upside down from branches. Once a pair has formed, they work together to build their nest and raise their young.

Baby Coal Tits

Baby Coal Tits are born naked and helpless, with closed eyes. They are entirely dependent on their parents for food and warmth. After around two weeks, they start to develop feathers and become more active. At this point, they begin to leave the nest and explore the surrounding area. Juvenile Coal Tits have a duller plumage than adults and can be easily distinguished by their yellowish cheek patch. However as they age they start to develop their distinctive dull black colour, white tips and blueish grey feathers.

Where do Coal Tits live?

Coal Tits are widespread throughout Europe and Asia, and they can be found in a wide variety of habitats, including deciduous and coniferous woodlands, parks, gardens, and hedgerows. They are also common in urban areas, particularly in parks and gardens with mature trees. Coal Tits are adaptable birds and can live in a range of environments, as long as there are suitable nesting sites and food sources available.

They are a common sight in many parts of their range and are often seen flitting through trees or perched on branches, where they search for insects, spiders, and seeds to feed on. Although they are non-migratory birds, Coal Tits may move around within their breeding territories throughout the year, depending on food availability and other factors.

What do Coal Tits eat

Coal Tits are primarily insectivorous, and they feed on a wide variety of insects and spiders, as well as seed mixes and nuts. They are known for their acrobatic feeding behaviour, and they are frequently seen hanging upside down from branches and twigs to access food. If you have bird feeders in your garden, you'll also find them visiting your outside space if you have some tasty food to share.

Coal Tit Predators

Coal Tits are vulnerable to a range of predators, including birds of prey, such as Sparrow hawks and Goshawks, as well as domestic cats and other mammals. They are also vulnerable to nest predators, such as rats, squirrels, and other birds, who may prey on their eggs or chicks. In some areas, habitat loss and fragmentation have also been identified as threats to Coal Tit populations.

How to Attract Coal Tits into Your Garden

If you would like to attract Coal Tits to your garden, there are several things you can do. Providing a variety of food sources, such as sunflower seeds, peanuts, and mealworms, can help to attract these birds to your bird feeders. Make sure you store food appropriately to prevent it going bad or attracting bacteria.

It is also important to provide a source of water, such as a bird bath or pond. Planting native trees and shrubs can provide suitable nesting and foraging habitat, and providing nesting boxes or other artificial cavities can also be helpful.

Five facts about Coal Tits

1. Coal Tits have a distinctive dark brown feathers, black cap, white patch and white cheeks, which gives them a striking appearance. Unlike other tits watch as great tits, willow tits or the blue tit, they are slightly duller in colour.

2. They are highly active and acrobatic birds, and they are frequently seen climbing up and down tree trunks and branches in search of food.

3. Coal Tits have a cheerful, high-pitched song that is a series of clear, ringing notes.

4. They are non-migratory birds, and they typically stay in their breeding territories year-round.

5. Coal Tits are vulnerable to a range of predators, including birds of prey, cats, and nest predators, and habitat loss is also a threat to their populations.