Bluetits are one of the most popular garden visitors in the UK. Like Robins, they are also one of the most recognisable. The combination of bright blue cap, highwayman-style eye markings, and lemon-yellow breast help distinguish them from similar birds in the Tit family.
Blue tits are happy users of bird boxes but can also use the smallest of crevices in walls, as can be seen here. This particular bird is removing pellets of waste from the nest before it sets off in search of more food.
The search for food for the growing chicks is neverending. The clutch often numbers 12, but 15 is not rare. As you can see from the bird's plumage, this leaves little time for keeping feathers clean and tidy. The breeding season runs through April and May; during this time, they'll visit garden feeding stations more frequently and welcome fat stuffed with seeds and mealworms. Their usual diet is insects and their larvae, spiders, seeds and nuts.
The youngsters rely on their parents even after they fledge and will feed together. The plumage is paler in colour with a grey rather than blue cap. The eye streak develops quite early on.
Early attempts at leaving a nest can result in the young birds becoming grounded for a time. If you see one, don't pick it up - the parents will be close by, ready to bring food.
Blue Tit Facts
Blue Tits are very common birds in the UK, with more than 15 million birds overwintering here. They can be found throughout the UK, except on high ground and some islands of Scotland
They weigh around 11g, measure 12 cm in length, and have a wingspan of about 18cm.
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