- Parus major
Identification
The largest European tit - yellow and green with a glossy black head and white cheeks.
Distribution
Europe to northwest Iran, Siberia, Lake Baikal, Altai and Sayan mountains.
Taxonomy
Polytypic. Consists of about 32 subspecies.
These have been proposed for splitting into three species: Great Tit with 12 subspecies, Cinereous Tit (Parus cinereus) with 14 subspecies, and Japanese Tit (Parus minor) with 8 subspecies. Only the IOC list have accepted these changes, Opus awaits a position from the other major checklists.
Habitat
Parks, woodlands and gardens all over Europe
Behaviour
A woodland bird but nowadays a garden bird. Sometimes aggressive, fighting with other tits. In winter together with Blue Tits and other species
Frequent visitor to birdtables and seed-dispensers, thus well known. Bold, at times plain audacious, may take seed from outstretched hand
Breeding
Breeds in all kinds of woodland (incl. in desolate taiga in far N) and in immediate proximity of man in parks and gardens.
Nests in roomy nestbox, tree-hole (e.g. decayed fruit tree), air duct and even letterbox
Diet
Insects and seeds, suet, beech nuts etc.
Vocalisation
<flashmp3>Parus major (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program
External Links
