Great Tit

Meantán Mór

Status

Resident. One of Ireland's top 20 most widespread garden birds.

Identification

The largest of the tit family. Striking black head with large white cheek patches and black band running down the centre of a bright yellow breast. Back yellowish- green, wings and tail silvery blue. In flight, white outer tail feathers show. When perched, a distinct white wingbar shows. Bill is pointed but stout, legs bluish-grey.

Voice

Typical song a loud, full "teacher, teacher" and many other variations. Call a scolding sound or a quiet, repeated " tew, tew tew".

Diet

Mainly insects, seeds and nuts. Will use peanut feeders and take scraps on bird tables.

Breeding

Breeds throughout Ireland - prefers broad-leaved woodland, but also in farmland, parks and gardens. Nests in cavity in tree or wall. Often choosing unusual site such as a pipe or letterbox. Readily uses nestboxes.

Wintering

Widespread