European Crested Tit

The Crested Tit, or European Crested Tit (Lophophanes cristatus), presents a striking appearance with its prominent erectile crest, the tip of which may recurve elegantly. This small passerine bird is a member of the tit family, Paridae, and is easily distinguishable by its unique head plumage.

Identification Tips

This species can be identified by its distinctive crest and the black and white patterns on its head. The gorget and collar are also notable features, setting it apart from other tits. Its upperparts are predominantly grey-brown, while the underparts are paler.

Habitat

The Crested Tit favors coniferous forests as its primary habitat across central and northern Europe. It can also be found in deciduous woodlands in parts of France and the Iberian Peninsula.

Distribution

In Great Britain, the Crested Tit is mainly found in the ancient pinewoods of Inverness and Strathspey in Scotland. It is a resident bird, meaning it does not typically migrate, though a few vagrants have been spotted in England.

Behaviour

The Crested Tit is known for its talkative nature, often joining winter flocks with other tit species. It is not particularly shy, but despite its vocal tendencies, it may not always be easily approached.

Song & Calls

The Crested Tit's birdsong is a constant "zee, zee, zee," reminiscent of the Coal Tit's vocalizations, contributing to the forest's acoustic landscape.

Breeding

Nesting occurs in holes within rotting stumps, where this bird takes advantage of the forest's natural cavities for its reproductive activities.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Crested Tit consists of insects, including caterpillars, and seeds. It often forages low in trees, diligently searching for food among the branches.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Crested Tit as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population levels that would warrant a higher risk category.