Birds of Exminster - The Coal Tit

Written by Adam Drake Wednesday, 03 September 2008 16:09

Articles - Birds of Exminster

A bright eyed, acrobatic resident.??

The Coal Tit, (Scientific name: Periparus ater), is a lively little bird which can be seen at bird tables or feeding stations in Exminster. Like other members of tit family they are not short of acrobatic skill and are constantly on the move. They are just 10?11.5 cm long and have very distinctive long white nape patches on their otherwise black heads.?

When viewed close up (through binoculars) their black eyes appear very bright. The head, throat and neck of adult birds are glossy black, setting off the white on the nape and sides of the face as can be seen in our second photo.

The Coal Tits? bill is more slender than Blue or Great Tits which allows them to feed successfully in conifers. If there are large conifer trees anywhere near you then you may well see Coal Tits. They will join in small flocks with other tits in winter and roam through woods and village gardens searching for food.?

Their food is similar to that of other members of the family and so they will also visit gardens to feed on a variety of foods that are put out, especially sunflower seeds but also peanuts.? All our photos were taken in Exminster.

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