Coal Tit (Periparus ater) 18-02-2018

            East Coast Nature Reserve  ECNR   Birdwatch Ireland

[order] Passeriformes | [family] Paridae | [latin] Parus ater | [UK] Coal Tit | [FR] Mésange noire | [DE] Tannenmeise | [ES] Carbonero Garrapinos | [IT] Cincia mora | [NL] Zwarte Mees | [IRL] Meantán dubh

Measurements
spanwidth min.: 15 cm
spanwidth max.: 17 cm
size min.: 11 cm
size max.: 12 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 14 days
incubation max.: 16 days
fledging min.: 18 days
fledging max.: 20 days
broods 2
eggs min.: 6
eggs max.: 11

Tomtit, Coalmouse, Black Ox-eye

One of Ireland's top-20 most widespread garden birds.

Status: Common resident throughout Ireland.

Conservation Concern: Green-listed in Ireland. The European population has been evaluated as Secure by BirdLife International.

Identification: At first glance looks like a smaller, less colourful version of a Great Tit. Back, tail and wings are grey with a hint of green and two small white wingbars. Underside dirty white with a brownish wash. Most distinctive feature is the head pattern - pure white cheeks, black crown, bib and side of nape - the nape itself is a long white nape patch. Bill is small and pointed, legs bluish-grey. Prefers coniferous woodland, but can occur in other habitats including gardens. Has habit of prising peanuts from feeders and flying away to eat or cache them elsewhere. Usually in small numbers but can join other tits to form foraging flocks in winter.

Similar Species: Blue Tit, Great Tit.

Call: Some phrases of the song similar to the Great Tit's "teacher, teacher…" but the quality of Coal Tit's song has been likened to the repetive whistle of a bicycle pump - a rapid "pitchew, pitchew, pitchew.." , with other variations. Usual call a clear "chew".

Diet: Insects, seeds and nuts. Will take peanuts and fat at bird tables.

Breeding: Breeds throughout Ireland mostly in coniferous woodland, but also in other woodland, farmland and gardens. Nests in cavity in tree or wall and will use nestboxes.

Wintering: Widespread. Large flocks are occasionally seen at headlands along the south and west coast, but the reasons for these movements remain unclear.

Where to See: Common and widespread throughout Ireland.
   

Taken in: Ireland / Wicklow (show map)

Taken on: February 18, 2018

Tags:

Passeriformes

Paridae

ater

Coal

Tit

Mésange

noire

Tannenmeise

Carbonero

Garrapinos

Cincia

mora

Zwarte

Mees

Meantán

dubh

Parus-ater

Coal-Tit

Mésange-noire

Carbonero-Garrapinos

Cincia-mora

Zwarte-Mees

Meantán-dubh

Bird

Animalia

Animal

Nature

Wildlife

Garden-bird

Garden

ECNR

East-Coast-Nature-Reserve

Wicklow

Ireland

Eíre

Video

Tomtit

Coalmouse

Black-Ox-eye

BirdWatchFB

BirdwatchIreland

Birdwatch « less

Sets appears in: • Coal Tit (Parus ater)

Groups appears in: • Birds/Aves • Flickr Nature more » • Birds , Birds Birds • FlickrToday (only 1 pic per day) • Nature Photography • Unlimited Birds • BiRDS are Beautiful • British and European Fresh Water Life and Habitats • A Guide To The Birds Of Europe • Nature and Photography • Wings Of The World • Irishwildlife • Birds of the British Isles • Backyard Bird Watching • Birds (no rules) • Wildlife Of Great Britain and Ireland. • * Birds of Britain * • MARIPOSAS&BIRDS&FLORA&FAUNA&BUTTERFLY • ~Not Another Bird Group~ • Nature-Irish Nature(No man made items to be seen) • Birds And Words! Your best BIRD photos with a great story! • Bird Videos • BirdTrack • Birds of Happiness • BirdLife International • Spectacular Bird Photos • MAD about BIRDS! • European Birds and Wildlife • Birds In Ireland • Audubon magazine • Avian Wonders • Ireland's Wildlife • BirdWatch Ireland • Nikon Nature • BirdTrack global • Worldwide Fauna • Ireland's Ancient East « less

Stats: 3,928 views / 4 comments

Link to this photo view:
Link to this photo large view: