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Blue Tit (Parus Caeruleus)
Overview
This delightful and entertaining small bird is a frequent visitor to garden bird feeders and tables, performing skilful acrobatics to obtain a meal of peanuts or fat. They are thought to be intelligent as they will investigate new sources of food such as stealing the “top of the milk”, learn from each other and use great dexterity of beak and foot. They are easily recognised by their blue cap and wings, white cheeks and yellow body.
Description
This small member of the Tit family is brightly coloured, with a blue cap and wings. Their tummies are yellow in colour. One of the most distinctive visitors in our gardens.
Distribution
Throughout the UK.
Habitat
Gardens, woodland areas and areas where there are hedgerows and bushes.
Breeding
Nests in tree holes and nest boxes from March to June laying 5-12 red flecked white eggs which hatch after 14 days incubation by the female.The young fledge at 18 days old and are fully independent after 4 weeks.They have one or two broods per year depending on the availability of food.
Food
During summer their diet comprises of small insects and caterpillars supplemented with fallen fruit and bird table fare. During winter they enjoy peanuts, seeds and suet often hanging upside down to access their favourite treat Peanuts offered in a special wire mesh peanut feeder. Peanut granules can be fed from a seed feeder or on the bird table. Suet blocks, fat balls and VHF Premium Mix or VHF High Energy Mix will be welcomed by these attractive birds.
Population Trends
There are over 3 million nesting pairs within the UK, and more visit from mainland Europe in the winter.
