Great Tit

The Great Tit is the largest of the European tits, with a glossy black head and throat, contrasting white cheek patches, olive-green back, and bright yellow underparts split by a broad black central stripe running from the throat to the belly. Males typically show a wider, bolder black stripe than females, particularly where it broadens at the belly.

One of the most intensively studied wild birds in ornithology, the Great Tit is a bold, adaptable species that thrives in woodlands as well as urban parks and gardens.

Key field marks

• Glossy black head and throat with large white cheek patches
• Bright yellow underparts with a broad black central stripe
• Olive-green back, blue-gray wings with a white wing bar

Similar species

• Blue Tit is smaller with a blue cap and no black belly stripe.
• Coal Tit lacks yellow underparts entirely, showing gray-buff coloring with a white nape spot.
• Marsh Tit and Willow Tit are smaller, plain brown-gray tits without yellow or a black belly stripe.

Habitat

Inhabits deciduous and mixed woodlands, hedgerows, orchards, parks, and gardens, and readily adapts to urban environments.

Range

Widespread across Europe, North Africa, and much of temperate Asia.

Migration

Largely resident, though some northern populations may move short distances in severe winters.

Behavior

Bold and inquisitive, often the dominant species at bird feeders; forages on branches, tree trunks, and the ground, and readily investigates new food sources.

Voice

A loud, ringing "teacher-teacher-teacher" song, along with a wide and variable repertoire of other calls and phrases.

Feeding

Eats insects and spiders in the breeding season, switching to seeds, nuts, and berries in autumn and winter; frequently visits feeders for sunflower seeds and peanuts.

Nesting

Nests in tree cavities, walls, or nest boxes, building a cup of moss lined with hair and feathers; lays 5-12 white eggs speckled with red-brown.