Birds and wildlife

Coal Tit

Periparus aterGroup: TitsUK Conservation status:Green

How to identify

Not as colourful as some of its relatives, the Coal Tit has a distinctive grey back, black cap, and white patch at the back of its neck. It has a smaller, skinnier bill than Blue or Great Tits which helps it feed in conifers. A regular visitor to most feeders, they will take and store food for eating later. In winter they join with other tits to form flocks which roam through woodland and gardens in search of food.

Call

Coal Tit

Stuart Fisher / xeno-canto

Key features to look out for

  • Black heads with white cheeks
  • Their backs are grey, while their tummies are buff-brown.
  • Check for white wing bars and a white patch on the back of the head (to be sure it’s not a Marsh or Willow Tit). 

Where and when to see them

Coal Tits can be seen in woodland, especially conifer woods, as well as parks and gardens. 

Key

  1. Resident
  2. Passage
  3. Summer
  4. Winter
* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
UK distribution map for Coal Tit
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

Behaviours

Call/song

What do Coal Tits sound like in winter?

Coal Tits have a high-pitched ‘pe-pee’ call, which feels somewhat in keeping with its diminutive form! They often repeat it, giving you a good chance to get your ear in.

Your Coal Tit questions answered

How can I identify a Coal Tit?

They are smaller than a Great Tit and only 11.5cm long. They have a short tail, black head with white cheeks as well as a white stripe on the back of the head.

What does a Coal Tit eat?

Their main food items are insect larvae including caterpillars as well as spiders and seeds/nuts especially during autumn and winter.

Where do Coal Tits nest?

They nest in tree cavities and crevices but will sometimes nest on the ground within conifer woodlands. They can also use nestboxes. The females make a cup shaped nest of roots and moss where she will incubate 9-10 eggs.

When do Coal Tits nest?

April - July, having two broods.

How long do Coal Tits live?

They live on average two years but the oldest was recorded just over nine years old.

Do Coal Tits migrate?

Breeding UK birds don't tend to move far from their breeding territories but those in mainland Europe can travel further when food is scarce and reach the UK, especially the south-east.

Are Coal Tits rare in the UK?

No, they are widespread around the country, especially in Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

Key facts