Crested Tit (Lophophanes cristatus)

The Crested Tit is a small, distinctive songbird with a prominent black-and-white crest. Its upperparts are mostly brownish-grey, while the underparts are pale with a subtle buff tone. The face features a striking black “mask” and a small black bib under the beak.

Habitat & Distribution:
This species is primarily found in coniferous forests across Europe, especially in Scotland, Scandinavia, and Central Europe, with some populations in southern Europe. It favors mature pine and spruce forests with dense undergrowth.

Population & Size:
The European population is stable, estimated in the hundreds of thousands. Crested Tits are about 11–12.5 cm long, with a wingspan of 17–20 cm. Adults weigh around 9–12 g. Lifespan typically ranges from 2 to 5 years in the wild, though some individuals may reach 8 years.

Diet:
In summer, their diet mainly consists of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. In winter, they switch to seeds, especially from conifers, and occasionally berries.

Reproduction:
Crested Tits breed once a year, usually between April and June. The female lays 7–10 eggs in a nest hidden in tree cavities or old woodpecker holes, lined with moss, feathers, and fur. Eggs incubate for about 14–16 days. Chicks fledge around 18–21 days after hatching.

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