Tit (bird)

Tits are small passerine birds in the family Paridae, which also includes chickadees and titmice.

Tits are small passerine birds in the family Paridae, which also includes chickadees and titmice. They are generally stocky, active woodland birds with short stout bills, and many species also live in gardens and around human habitation. Tits occur mainly in the Northern Hemisphere and are known for adaptable diets that include insects and seeds.

Classification and naming

Tits belong to the family Paridae within the order Passeriformes. The group includes birds also called chickadees and titmice in some regions.

Physical characteristics

Members of the family are usually small, stocky birds with short, stout bills. Some species have crests, and adult sizes typically fall within a small range compared with other songbirds.

Habitat and distribution

Tits are found mainly across the Northern Hemisphere and are especially associated with woodlands and forests. Many species have adapted well to gardens, parks, and other human-modified habitats.

Diet and behaviour

Tits are adaptable foragers that eat insects, seeds, nuts, and other small foods. They often feed actively in trees and shrubs and many species readily use feeders.