Scientific Name:
Parus major
Common Name:
Great Tit
Family:
Tit family: Paridae
Summary:
The Great Tit is the largest of the British Isles tit species. It has a glossy black crown and a white face below the eye. Under its dark stubby bill is a large black bib that extends into a black stripe reaching all the way down to its tail. On either side of the black strip, the underparts are bright yellow. The back is an olive green colour and the wings blue with a single white bar on each.
Ecology:
Apart from when breeding Great Tits often flock together with other tit species. They feed mainly on invertebrates such as caterpillars and spiders, supplementing their diet in winter with fruit and seeds. They build cup shaped nests in holes in trees, and will readily use nest boxes.
Habitat:
Woodland, heath, marsh.
Distribution:
Throughout the British Isles except the Scottish highlands.
Size:
14 cm