The Great Tit (Parus major) is a bold and familiar woodland bird that is also a frequent visitor to gardens. The Great Tit is well-marked and colourful, with a song that is not less distinctive than its appearance. The sexes are very slightly different in plumage.
The adult male has striking white cheeks that contrast markedly with the otherwise black head; the black throat continues as a thick black line down the centre of the breast on the otherwise yellow underparts. The upperparts are greenish and blue, but there is also a white wingbar. The female bird is similar to the male bird, but has a slightly thinner black line of the breast.
The Great Tit is widespread throughout much of the UK, although absent from the most Northern Scottish islands. In addition to areas of deciduous woodland, Great Tits are frequent visitors to gardens both rural and urban. During the breeding season, Great Tits take readily to nest boxes on suitable sizes, whereas in the woodland habitats, the Great Tits nest in tree holes.
Reference List:
- Sterry.P., (2004) Collins Complete Guide to British Birds. Harper Collins Publishing Ltd, London.
