Great Tit

The Great tit is a beloved bird that can be found in all parts of the United Kingdom, cherished for its striking appearance, delightful songs, and adaptable nature. Its ability to thrive in a variety of habitats, from city gardens to woodland retreats, makes it a true emblem of resilience in the avian world.

What do great tits look like?

The great tit is a small and vibrant bird, measuring around 14 centimetres in length and has a wingspan of about 20-25cm. It boasts a striking black head with contrasting white cheeks, while its body is adorned with a mix of yellow and greenish hues. The wings and tail exhibit a distinctive bluish-grey colour, and a bold black line runs down the centre of its yellow underparts, creating a unique and recognizable pattern. Both males and females share a similar appearance, with males displaying slightly brighter plumage. Juveniles have a more subdued colouration, lacking the bold markings of the adults.

What do great tits eat?

Great tits are opportunistic feeders with a varied diet that includes a mix of insects, seeds, and berries. Their diet can change based on the season and the availability of food. During the breeding season, insects and invertebrates play a crucial role in the great tit's diet. They feed on caterpillars, spiders, beetles, and other small invertebrates. This protein-rich diet is essential for the growth and development of their chicks.

Great tits also consume seeds and nuts, especially during the non-breeding season when insects may be less abundant. They can be seen feeding on a variety of seeds, including sunflower seeds, peanuts, and other small seeds. Fruits and berries are part of the great tit's diet, providing additional nutrition. 

What to feed great tits?

In urban and suburban areas, great tits will regularly visit bird feeders that are filled with seeds, nuts, suet treats and other food provided by humans. They readily adapt to these food sources, especially during colder months when natural food may be scarce. Here are some common bird food that will attract great tits to your garden.

 

Do great tits use nest boxes?

Yes, great tits are known to use nest boxes readily. They are cavity-nesting birds, seeking out sheltered spaces to build their nests. Nest boxes provide an artificial cavity miming natural nesting sites like tree hollows. Many bird enthusiasts and conservationists set up nest boxes in gardens, parks, and woodland areas to provide nesting opportunities for great tits and other cavity-nesting bird species. Providing nest boxes can be a helpful way to support local bird populations, especially in areas where natural nesting sites may be limited.

Nest boxes for great tits

When do great tits nest?

Great tits generally start their nesting activities from late April to early May. Great tits are monogamous during breeding, forming pairs in late winter or early spring. The female performs the nest-building task, usually in a tree cavity or a nest box. A typical clutch consists of 7-12 eggs, which are incubated for approximately 12-15 days. The female manages the majority of incubation, while the male provides food. 

When do great tits fledge?

Great tits typically fledge approximately 16 to 22 days after hatching. This period can vary slightly based on factors such as temperature, food availability, and individual chick development. The fledging process marks an important milestone in the young birds' lives as they begin to explore their surroundings and gain independence from their parents. After fledging, the juvenile great tits will continue to be cared for and fed by their parents for a period of time before they become fully self-sufficient.

Are great tits rare?

The great tit population in the UK is stable, and they are one of the most common bird species in the country. Their adaptability and widespread distribution have contributed to their resilience. They are currently categorized as a species of "Least Concern" by conservation organizations.