Biological description of the Coal Tit (Periparus ater)

The coal tit is a small passerine bird with a compact body and a relatively large head. It has a black cap and bib, white cheeks, a distinctive white patch on the nape, and greyish upperparts with buff or whitish underparts. Its wings show two pale wing bars.

Habitat and range:
Coal tits inhabit mainly coniferous and mixed forests, but they also occur in woodland edges, parks, and gardens. Their range covers most of Europe, parts of North Africa, and large areas of temperate Asia, making them widespread across the Eurasian continent.

Population:
The global population is very large, estimated at tens of millions of individuals. It is considered stable overall, and the species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Size and weight:
Adults measure about 10–11.5 cm in length, with a wingspan of around 17–21 cm. Their weight typically ranges from 8 to 10 grams.

Age:
Most coal tits live only a few years, but in the wild they can reach a maximum age of around 9–10 years.

Diet:
In summer, their diet consists mainly of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. In winter, they rely more on seeds, especially conifer seeds, and may also visit bird feeders.

Breeding:
Coal tits usually breed once per year, but in favorable conditions they may raise two broods. The female lays 6–11 eggs per clutch.

Nest and offspring:
Nests are built in tree holes, wall crevices, or nest boxes and are lined with moss, hair, and feathers. Chicks hatch after about two weeks and are fed by both parents until they fledge.