Today, as part of our Birdorable Bonanza 2013, we are excited to introduce a delightful small European species to our collection. Our third Bonanza bird, known for its distinctive appearance, is the Crested Tit.

The Crested Tit, a member of the tit family, is a charming little songbird that shares a close relationship with chickadees, titmice, and other types of tits. It's particularly known for its striking crest, which adds a touch of elegance to its petite frame. This small bird can be found in various forested habitats throughout Europe, where it's often referred to as the European Crested Tit.

In terms of diet, Crested Tits are quite versatile. They primarily feed on insects, which they skillfully forage from the bark and leaves of trees, and also consume a variety of seeds. During times of food abundance, these intelligent birds exhibit the remarkable behavior of caching food. This means they store away food such as seeds and nuts in various hidden spots, which they can return to during scarcer times.

Kuifmees (Crested Tit) by Maarten Visser (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Crested Tits are also known to frequent feeding stations, where they can often be spotted alongside other small birds. Their playful and curious nature, combined with their distinctive appearance, makes them a favorite among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Tomorrow, as we celebrate Independence Day in the United States, we will introduce a bird with "American" in the name!