Blue Tit

About the Blue Tit

Blue tits (Parus caeruleus) are among the most common birds in much of northern Europe, and they are a familiar sight in gardens across the continent, where they feast on seeds and invertebrates. In the later half of the year, blue tits gorge themselves on food to prepare for their long winter fast. At this time of year, tits are also more vocal than usual, giving piercing, high-pitched calls to defend their territories and attract mates.

Listen to Audio of Blue Tit

Where To See The Blue Tit

Blue tits are one of the most widespread and common bird species in the UK. These small, agile birds are found on farmland, in city parks and gardens and even deep within the English countryside. This means that there is a good chance you have seen one of these birds without even realising it. But there is so much more to blue tits than meets the eye.

As winter approaches, it is not uncommon to see blue tits gathered in twos and threes, or even larger groups, as they roost together at dusk. Even then there is still more to learn about these fascinating creatures.

I often see blue tits at Pennington Flash, in particular at the Bunting Hide, where they’re often filling their bellies full of seed alongside the Great Tits and Willow Tits.

What Does The Blue Tit Eat?

Caterpillars
Bird Seed
Fruit
Berries
Suet balls & pellets
Peanuts

Blue Tit Mating Rituals and Nesting

The male Blue Tit often likes to find a suitable nesting site for his mate but the female will always have the final say! This is usually in the crevice of a tree, in a small hole or, if available, a bird box.

Once she’s approved the site, the female Blue Tit will set to work building the nest by herself. She will gather nesting materials, like grass, moss and leaves, to form the cup of the nest whilst she uses spider webs, feathers and animal hair/fur to line it.

Blue Tits like to fill their nest with herbaceous plants like lavender, curry plant and mint when nursing young in the nest. They can lay a clutch of approximately a dozen eggs and will incubate them for around two weeks before they hatch.

DID YOU KNOW?

The blue tit has a typical lifespan of three years.

The Colour and Appearance of the Blue Tit

You can usually identify a blue tit by its striking blue blaze upon its white head, with black stripes from its eyes and proud yellow chest. However, young blue tits, also known as juveniles, are more green-yellow in colour before they develop into their very striking visage.

Take a look at our slider to see what the Blue Tit looks like in various stages of its life.