Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Blue Tit is a strikingly colourful small bird, easily recognised by its bright blue crown, wings, and tail, contrasting with a yellow underside. Its face is white with a black eye stripe, with a greenish back and blue-grey legs.
Adult females are very similar to males, with overall slightly less blue colouration and more grey to the upperparts. Juveniles are not dissimilar but have a greenish cap with greyish drab yellow underparts.
Size
Length
11.5cm to 12cm
Wingspan
18cm to 20cm
Weight
9g to 12g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Blue Yellow
Secondary Colour
White Green Olive
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Blue-grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Blue Tits are widely distributed across Europe, from the British Isles to western Russia and from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean. They inhabit deciduous and mixed woodlands, parks, and gardens, preferring oak trees.
In the UK, Blue Tits are year-round residents, found in almost every garden and woodland. Their adaptability has led to a stable population across their range, with some northward expansion noted in recent years.
Elevation Range
Up to 3,500 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Blue Tit. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Blue Tit's remarkable acrobatic abilities, including hanging upside down whilst foraging, demonstrate exceptional agility. Their nimble movements and adept manoeuvring through branches and foliage contribute to their high agility rating.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small bird weighing only 9-12 grams, the Blue Tit's strength is limited. However, they possess enough strength to manipulate small objects and defend their territory, albeit not comparable to larger bird species.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Blue Tits exhibit impressive adaptability, thriving in various habitats from woodlands to urban gardens. Their ability to learn new behaviours, such as opening milk bottles, and their successful colonisation of diverse environments showcase their high adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While not overly aggressive, Blue Tits display moderate territorial behaviour during breeding season and can be bold when defending nests or competing for food. Their curiosity towards humans and willingness to visit garden feeders suggest a lack of excessive aggression.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Despite their small size, Blue Tits demonstrate good endurance. They can survive harsh winters, forage extensively throughout the day, and care for large broods of up to 13 chicks. However, their relatively short lifespan of 2-3 years suggests limitations in long-term endurance compared to some longer-lived bird species.
Diet
Blue Tits are primarily insectivorous, feeding on caterpillars, spiders, and small insects. They supplement their diet with seeds and nuts, especially in winter.
Their ability to hang upside down allows them to access food sources on the undersides of leaves and branches, giving them a competitive edge.
Behaviour
Blue Tits are known for their acrobatic prowess, often seen hanging upside down from branches while foraging. They are highly social, forming mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season.
These birds are also remarkably bold, frequently visiting garden feeders and showing curiosity towards humans.
Vocalisation
Blue Tits have a varied vocal repertoire. Their most recognisable call is a high-pitched, repetitive 'tsee-tsee-tsee'.
During the breeding season, males sing a trilling song that sounds like 'si-si-si-sitchu'. They also produce a scolding 'chur-chur-chur' when alarmed.
Nesting & Breeding
Blue Tits typically form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, which starts in late March or early April. Males perform courtship displays, including vibrating their wings and bringing food to potential mates.
Nests are built in tree cavities, nest boxes, or even unusual places like letter boxes. The female constructs the nest using moss, grass, and feathers. She lays 7-13 white eggs with reddish-brown speckles.
Incubation lasts about 14 days, performed solely by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 18-21 days. Blue Tits often raise a single brood per year but may attempt a second in favourable conditions.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While Blue Tits are currently listed as Least Concern, they face challenges from habitat loss and climate change.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable nesting habitats and promoting wildlife-friendly gardening practices to support urban populations.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
40,000,000 - 88,000,000 mature individuals (Europe population)
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Blue Tits in gardens, parks, and deciduous woodlands
- Listen for their distinctive 'tsee-tsee-tsee' call
- Observe feeders, especially those offering sunflower seeds or peanuts
- In the UK, participate in the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch to contribute to Blue Tit population monitoring
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Did You Know?
- Blue Tits can remember the location of a good food source for several months.
- They have been observed using tools, pushing sticks to lever out insect prey.
- In the UK, Blue Tits famously learned to open milk bottle tops to drink the cream.
Similar Birds
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2017. Cyanistes caeruleus (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T103761667A118689415.
View source - 2
report, 2015: EBCC
- 3
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source
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