Found in 98% of British gardens, the blue tit is identified by its colourful plumage. Blue tit’s wings, tail and crown are bright blue and their other defining features include a yellow breast, green shading on their back, white cheeks, a single white wing bar, and prominent black stripes on the eyes, bib and collar. Although the female and male are nearly indistinguishable, the female is slightly paler. Juveniles can be distinguished from adults as their colouring is more green than blue, and their cheeks are yellow rather than white.

Behaviour

Blue tits are typically found in woodland areas, although they are well adapted to gardens and towns. They are very agile birds which are known for making their nests in peculiar places such as pipes, letter boxes and streetlamps. More common nesting sites include holes in trees or walls and human-made nest boxes. The population of this species has flourished due to the increased availability of nest boxes and garden feeders. Blue tits can be observed in gardens eating at bird feeders or scavenging for food. Some of their favourite foods are insects, sunflower hearts, suet and peanuts.

Size

• Length: 12cm
• Wingspan: 17.5–20cm
• Weight: 9–12.5g

Status

Common. Classified in the UK as Green under the Birds of Conservation Concern 4: The Red List for Birds

Distribution

Widespread throughout Britain, except Orkney and Shetland.

When to see

All year.

Facts

• No other British bird has blue in its plumage
• The clutch size usually has 7-13 eggs, but there have been records of up to 19 eggs from the same female
• In winter blue tits join up with other tit species to hunt for food as a group