Coal Tit

Habitat: The Coal Tit breeds mainly in coniferous forests, such as spruce, pine, larch and even Douglas fir and other “exotic” species. Although the species already breeds in small populations, the highest densities are observed in older forests. The Coal Tit is clearly less dependent on dense coniferous vegetation than the crested tit, and is regularly found in mixed deciduous forests, gardens, parks, arboretums, hedges and heathland and peat bogs densely covered with pine and spruce. It even breeds in pure deciduous forests, but only in small numbers. The species is not very choosy about its nesting site (frequently hollows near the ground) and can colonise young plantations in the presence of nesting boxes. Unlike the crested tit, the Coal Tit is more commonly seen in the lower parts of forest vegetation.

Appearance: Widespread and common resident bird in Europe. In Belgium and the Netherlands, it is a fairly numerous breeding bird, year-round resident, migrant and winter visitor in fairly large to large numbers.

Breeding season: April to August, cavity nester in trees, nest boxes, but also on the ground, 5 to 12 eggs.

Characteristics: Length 10 – 11.5 cm, wingspan 17 – 21 cm, weight 8.8 – 12 grams, age 9 years.

Food: Insects and spiders, seeds and beech nuts.