Crested Tit - description, habitat, interesting facts

Today, even in urban areas there are a large number of different birds, and many of them belong to the wild. If earlier it was possible to see only pigeons and sparrows in the city, now it’s not always possible for citizens to determine what feathered they met on their way. Often, urban crested tit, which is prevalent mainly in rural settlements, is a matter of concern for urban residents.

The most common types of tits in our country

Before determining which titmouses are located in Russia, it is necessary to figure out which species of these birds exist at all. The most popular and common varieties are the following:

1. Great tit This type of titmouse is most often found in the city. These birds are not at all afraid and not shy of people, so they gladly go to the city for food.
2. Blue Tit. These titmouses, on the contrary, categorically ignore cities. Birds are migratory.
3. Moskovka. This type of tits is also quite common in cities, however, not everyone understands that this is a tit because there is no blue color in its color.
4. White-headed tit. These birds are also not particularly fond of people, trying to avoid cities, and in general for life choose the marshlands.
5. Long-tailed tit This representative of birds likes peace and solitude, so it’s almost impossible to meet them in the city. Mostly these birds live along the coasts of the rivers.
6. Remez. This bird can also be attributed to the river species. However, with all this representative of the genus is also completely wild, therefore it also bypasses the settlements of people.

The appearance of tits-Khokhlushka

Where do they live?

Previously, the northern European territory was the traditional habitat for crested tits. Today, these birds have spread their distribution also in the middle territories of the Volga region and the Arkhangelsk region, in Bashkortostan, in the eastern territories of the Caucasus, in these regions the titmouse feels great.

In the past few years, the distribution areas of these birds have expanded significantly. Today, crested tits can be found in other regions, mainly they occupy areas where coniferous trees grow.An interesting fact is that ornithologists found Khokhlushka even in the territory of Greece and Spain, although they were only isolated individuals.

The behavior and character of the crested tit

The crested tit is characterized by all the virtues and habits characteristic of the birds of its kind. These are very active birds that are constantly in motion, while they are very funny and bold, often participating in various quarrels and fights. The Khokhlushka has a very manly character, thanks to which he loves to climb.

It is impossible to call the crested tits great singers, since these abilities are not very developed. This may be somewhat disappointing for breeders who are trying to tame a titmouse. However, Ukrainians may be interested in their other habits. For example, in the mating season, the males take such poses that the greatest feathered seducers can envy.

Also unique is the fact that the crested in winter can be easily combined with other species of birds in order to make it easier to survive. As a rule, their companions are koreli, wood-rattle, pikas and tits. Travel of these birds are exclusively under the supervision of variegated woodpecker.This approach makes the flight safer.

Khokhlushka - feathered lifeguard

The Khokhlushka as well as the tent is a real orderly who clears coniferous forests. The main advantage of these birds is that even in the period of cold weather, crested ones do not refuse insects and continue their search in the forest. They turn to grain feed only in extreme cases when insects cannot be found at all. It is worth noting that the search for insects and larvae takes a very long time for the birds, however, they do not proceed to the grain until they are completely starved. If you decide to start a crested bird at home, you may experience some difficulties with feeding, since the bird will need to be constantly given live food.

Hardships in winter

The worst time for crested tits is winter. This season they come to eat almost everything that comes across, since it becomes almost impossible to find insects or their larvae. While there is no serious cold, the chickens continue to search for live food, however, as soon as the temperature drops below -15 degrees, tits begin to agree to any kind of food.

Also titmouses should build feeders for the period of winter, they will help them to protect themselves from frost. It is worth noting that in the winter titmouses are happily in the city, they are not afraid of a person and may even have it out of their hands. It is possible to build a feeding trough from improvised means, and it is absolutely not difficult to make it. It is enough to take an empty clean 5 liter water bottle and cut a wide opening in the side.At the bottom of the bottle you need to scatter the food for tits, and at the neck tie it to a tree branch on the street. Place the feeder at a height of about 1-2 meters from the ground.

Do not forget that titmouses are very nimble birds. In winter, they can also fly between the frames, into the window leaf and feast on food, which is often stored in the winter on the window or behind it. They are happy to feast on lard, butter, sausage or cottage cheese. So, do not forget to tidy up the products.

Video: Crested Tit (Parus cristatus)