The largest of the tit family, the great tit can be identified by their blue wings, yellow breast and yellow-green back. Other notable features include white cheeks, a white wing bar, and a black crown, nape and throat. Although very similar to the blue tit, the great tit can be distinguished by the black crown on its head, as opposed to the blue tit’s blue crown. Male and female great tits would be indistinguishable if it wasn’t for the black line running down the chest which is longer and thicker on males. Telling juveniles apart from adults is also quite subtle but is identified by their duller colour as well as yellow cheeks and wing bar.
Behaviour
Great tits can frequently be seen following coal tits to domestic feeding areas, as well regularly fighting off smaller birds from feeders. The great tit’s diet of insects, seeds and berries makes it easy to lure these birds into gardens. Although there has recently been an increase in the number of great tits, climate change and severe weather are serious threats to their population.
Size
- Length: 14cm
- Wingspan: 22–25cm
- Weight: 16–21g
Status
Green – Least Concern, according to The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015
Distribution
Widespread
When to see
All year
Facts
- Great tits stay close to their eggs and if disturbed will make a hissing noise
- Unusually, juvenile great tits have coloured feathers, whereas most other juvenile birds have brown feathers to camouflage them in the nest and protect them from predators
- Great tits join other species of tit in the winter to scavenge for food in groups