In the UK there are possibly 8 different species of Tit birds that can be found, of which 6 are the most common. These little birds can be territorial during the nesting season. The Tit species normally have small stumpy legs , with strong feet and small beaks. Known for their friendly and sociable character they will become regular garden visitors.
The 8 different species consist of Bearded Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Crested Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Marsh Tit & Willow Tit.
The six that are common to the UK are Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Crested Tit, Great Tit, Marsh Tit & Willow Tit.
The Blue Tit, and the Great Tit are the most similar looking, however the Great Tit has a black head that goes from its beak in a v shape across to his back with his eyes barely visible (similar to the Orca) and the Blue Tit has a bright blue crown, then white feathers and then the line from it’s beak to the back. The Blue Tit is also smaller than the Great Tit.
Telling the male and female apart from each other can be tricky for both birds as the female Blue Tit is slightly paler than the male, and the male Great Tit has the distinguished black stipe that goes from the beak down past the throat to the rest of the body, it is considerably bolder. If you have two side by side, then telling them apart would be a lot easier.
Another pair that are similar to look at is the Marsh Tit and the Willow Tit. Both have the same black cap the Great Tit has; however, the Marsh Tit is almost completely brown, with a black chin. The Willow Tit again is mostly brown and has the distinctive black cap and black chin. The key difference between these two is that the Marsh Tit has a glossier cap than the Willow almost like they have styled their hair with shiny hair cream. The males and females of both these little birds are very similar.
The Coal Tit also has the distinctive black cap but has a grey back and it’s beak is short and slender. You are more likely to see a Coal Tit amongst conifers, however if you have peanuts in your garden in the winter then they will more than likely pay you a visit.
The Crested Tit is not the most colourful, however very majestic looking with a black and white patterned face. If you are lucky to spot one of these, you will see its upswept tuft a style most punk rockers of the 80’s would be envious of.
In the winter most tits will form flocks with each other and roam through woodlands and gardens in search of food.
Here at Rockingham Forest Park these little birds have taken a strong liking to our garden at the back of our reception, so we decided to order a simple but effective bird feeder and try and capture these delightful little birds on our motion sensor camera. We hope you enjoy this footage as much as we did.
