Periparus ater (Linnaeus, 1758) · sýkorka uhliarka · Coal Tit

Distribution

It is widespread in forests of Europe, northern Africa and much of Asia. In Slovakia it is a regular resident breeder, most numerous in coniferous and mixed woods. Most local birds remain or wander nearby, but some populations migrate and stronger movements occur in certain years. Winter flocks may therefore include birds originating elsewhere.

Habitat

Typical habitats are spruce, fir and pine woods and parks with conifers. It searches needles, bark and cones for food. In winter it often joins other tits and kinglets, making mixed-flock movements a useful search clue.

Breeding

The moss-and-soft-lining nest is hidden in a tree, stump, rock or wall cavity, sometimes in a ground-level hole. The female usually lays 8–10 eggs and incubates them. Both parents feed the young, and two broods are possible.

Food

It eats insects, larvae, spiders and seeds. In colder months it extracts conifer seeds from cones and may also visit feeders.

Interesting fact

A white nape patch helps distinguish it from Great Tit. It lacks that species' strong yellow belly and black central stripe and appears smaller and more delicate overall.

Sources: Slovak Wikipedia · English Wikipedia · BTO BirdFacts