Blue Tit

Least Concern

Cyanistes caeruleus

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This charming garden visitor, with its vibrant blue cap and yellow breast, is a common sight at UK bird feeders year-round.

Visual Identification

Blue Tit

Blue Tit

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

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Resident
Vagrant

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85
Strength 20
Adaptability 90
Aggressiveness 40
Endurance 65

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.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 2 - 3 years
Max Recorded Lifespan 14.6 years [1]
0
4
8
12
17

years

The Blue Tit typically lives for 2 to 3 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 14.6 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [2]

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)

Global Population Trend

Increasing[3]

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

Other names:

Eurasian Blue Tit

Family:

Paridae

Predators

Main predators include domestic cats, sparrowhawks, and great spotted woodpeckers, which may raid nests for eggs and chicks.

Did You Know?

  1. Blue Tits can remember the location of a good food source for several months.
  2. They have been observed using tools, pushing sticks to lever out insect prey.
  3. In the UK, Blue Tits famously learned to open milk bottle tops to drink the cream.

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Community Experience

Community Ratings

1 rating from birders

Ease of Spotting
5.0/5
Visual Appeal
5.0/5
Song Recognition
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Latest Community Reviews

S

Sarah Thompson

Spotting: 5/5
Visual: 5/5
Song: 3/5
Such characterful little birds! They've mastered the feeders in my garden and it's brilliant watching them hang upside down to get the seeds.

References

  1. 2

    website: BirdLife International. 2017. Cyanistes caeruleus (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T103761667A118689415.

    View source
  2. 3

    report, 2015: EBCC

  3. 1

    website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds

    View source