Coal Tit/Great Tit? *United Kingdom* (1 Viewer)

[Chewbaxter]

Trying to fathom something out here.

A wee bird at my feeder.

Underside dull/pale yellow but with the distinctive 'black breast stripe' - so I'm thinking - it's a Great Tit.

But hold on... on the back of the head: "distinctive large white nape spot".

Can anyone help here? The b*gger flew off soon after, so I couldn't give more info. on this brief ID, but all of the above is as acurate as I can make it.
Any help appreciated.

Neil.

 

[Henry B]

Have a look in the Gallery, you might find the b----r in their .

 

[birdboybowley]

Great Tit

 

[Chewbaxter]

Had a look at the gallery, and it does indeed look like a Great Tit... but what's with the 'white patch on the nape' - can someone tell me is this common in Great Tits (I've never noticed before, hence the prob. re: identifying).

Thanks.

:t:

Neil.

 

[nickderry]

Quite normal, Great tits have a white nape patch too, it's just the field guides don't often mention it as the black stripe down the breast is the main feature.

 

[Chewbaxter]

Quite normal, Great tits have a white nape patch too, it's just the field guides don't often mention it as the black stripe down the breast is the main feature.

Many thanks Nick!

:t:

I've seen no mention re: the nape patch,and although the stripe certainly is distinctive, that's something that's been confusing me...

So am I right in saying that the Great Tit is the only bird that has this vertical black stripe... or does this get more confusing?

Either way, your assistance appreciated.

Regards.


Neil.

 

[timwootton]

Neil, blue tits can also have a pretty dark central breast stripe, but it doesn't reach the chin, nor is it anything like as strong as that on the great tit (it also has a pale nape patch too), but as Nick points out - the thick dark stripe is distinctive in GT.

 

[Chewbaxter]

Cheers for that Tim - appreciated!

:t: been out this morning and seen loads of Coal Tits 'proper' - so I'm getting there with the IDing.

Neil.

 

[KnockerNorton]

size is your best clue really. Coal Tits are only half the weight of a Great Tit; Great Tits being about the size of a Chaffinch, and Coal Tits nearer the size of a Wren.

 

[Chewbaxter]

size is your best clue really. Coal Tits are only half the weight of a Great Tit; Great Tits being about the size of a Chaffinch, and Coal Tits nearer the size of a Wren.

Cheers Knocker - all info. appreciated, it all helps!

:t:

Neil.