The Coal Tit is a tiny Eurasian songbird with a bold white patch on the back of its black head. The Coal Tit's natural range spans temperate Eurasia and parts of North Africa and does not include the United States.
Appearance
Appearance
Adults are about 4–4.5 in (10–11.5 cm) long. A large white patch on the back of the head, two pale , black cap and throat, and pale underparts are the most useful field marks.
Voice
Its song is a fast, high repeated phrase. Short contact calls help flock members stay together while feeding.
Where it lives
Typical habitats
conifer forests
mixed woodlands
wooded gardens
Range
It is widespread across the , from Europe and North Africa east through much of Asia. The United States lies outside its normal wild range. It is common in much of its Eurasian range.
Seasonal presence
Most populations are , though some northern and eastern birds move south or to lower elevations in harsh weather.
Behavior
Diet
It searches conifer branches for insects and spiders and also eats seeds, including seeds from fir and larch cones. It may visit feeders for sunflower seeds within its range.
Social life
It is active and acrobatic in trees. In winter it often joins small with other tits and woodland birds.
Life cycle
Nest
It nests deep in a cavity, often in a decaying stump, a tree hole, a bank, or a wall crevice. Moss, hair, and grass form the nest, with fur or feathers inside.
Clutch size
In Britain, 9–10 eggs is typical; observed range from 7 to 11.
Name and classification
About the name
Older references often use Parus ater. Numerous regional are recognized.