BIRD 6

This bird is a tit. The black cap, white cheeks and black bib give this much away. Also, we can go further and say it is not a Blue Tit (which would have a blue cap) or a Crested Tit (which has a black and white spotted crest). The obvious transverse white wing-bar rules out Marsh Tit and the very similar Willow Tit. So, we are left with Great Tit and Coal Tit. Perhaps the biggest giveaway is the hint of a peak or crest to the crown, just in front of a white patch on the nape. Also, the bluish green, not green back (with blue wings and tail); and buff, not yellow, belly. The very thin legs confirm that this is the smallest British tit, a Coal Tit, a common bird throughout the country, including in coniferous woodland.

KEY FEATURES †Peaked, almost crested crown †Transverse white wing-bar †Blue-grey back with an olive tinge †Buff underparts