Ornithologists recognize two Great Tit subspecies groups: “Great” and “Turkestan.” The widespread “Great” group occurs from Europe and northwestern Africa to eastern Siberia, while the “Turkestan” group is restricted to Central Asia. The main difference between the two groups is the color of the underparts: “Turkestan” Great Tits are whitish below, and “Great” Great Tits are yellowish below (although the intensity and extent of the yellow varies across this group’s range).
Identification
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Conspicuous inhabitant of woods, forests, parks, gardens, and hedges in farmland. Often visits bird feeders and uses nest boxes. Plumage is distinctive, with white cheeks surrounded by a black cap and bib. Male has a broader black stripe down belly than the female, and the juvenile (seen in summer–early autumn) has yellowish wash to face and drabber plumage overall. Underparts are bright yellow throughout much of range, but “Turkestan Tit” of Central Asia has a white belly. Appreciably larger and more boldly patterned than Eurasian Blue Tit, which often occurs alongside it. Listen for its distinctive high-pitched up-and-down song: “tsee-dee-tsee-dee-tsee-dee” and chattering scolds.
Relative Size
Larger than a Eurasian Blue Tit and smaller than a Common Nightingale.
sparrow-sized or smallerMeasurements
- Both Sexes
- Length: 4.9-5.9 in (12.5-15 cm)
- Weight: 0.4-0.8 oz (11.9-22.1 g)
