Coal tits nest in existing cavities, often in tree stumps, holes in the ground, or old rodent burrows, and they readily use nest boxes. The female builds the nest from moss, grass, and animal hair, laying 7–13 eggs in a single brood (sometimes two) between April and June across most of their range.
Species Background and Range
The coal tit (Periparus ater) is one of Europe’s smallest tits, weighing about 8–10 grams. It is widespread across Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and is also found in the Canary Islands and parts of the Middle East. Unlike the great tit or blue tit, coal tits are more associated with coniferous forests, though they also inhabit mixed woodland, parks, and gardens. In the British Isles, they are resident year-round, and in colder regions they may move to lower altitudes in winter.
Nest Site Selection
Coal tits are cavity nesters, but they are more flexible than many other tits. They will use:
- Natural tree holes, especially in old pines and birches
- Holes in the ground, such as abandoned rabbit burrows or rock crevices
- Nest boxes with small entrance holes (25–28 mm)
- Occasionally, they may excavate soft wood if no cavity is available
Unlike great tits, coal tits often choose nest sites very low to the ground, sometimes at the base of a tree or in a stump. They also show a preference for sites near conifers, where they can find food. In gardens, they may use nest boxes placed low in dense shrubs or against tree trunks.
Nest Construction and Materials
The female builds the nest alone, usually over 3–7 days. The base is made of moss and grass, and the cup is lined with a thick layer of animal hair, wool, or feathers. In urban areas, they may also incorporate synthetic fibers. The nest is often quite deep, and the female may continue adding lining material until the first eggs are laid. A typical nest measures about 10–12 cm across and 5–6 cm deep.
Egg Laying and Incubation
Eggs are laid at daily intervals, usually in the early morning. Clutch size varies with latitude and food availability: in Britain, the average is 8–10 eggs, but clutches of 13 have been recorded. The eggs are white with fine reddish speckles, measuring about 15 mm × 12 mm. Incubation begins after the last egg is laid, so all chicks hatch within a few hours of each other. The female incubates alone, fed by the male, for 13–16 days. During incubation, the female leaves the nest for short periods to feed, but she covers the eggs with nesting material when away.
Chick Rearing and Fledging
Both parents feed the chicks, which are altricial (born blind and naked). The chicks are fed mainly on small insects, spiders, and caterpillars, with conifer-feeding species such as pine moths being important. The nestling period lasts 16–19 days. After fledging, the young remain with their parents for another 2–3 weeks, during which they learn to find food. Coal tits often have a second brood in the south of their range, but in colder areas they are usually single-brooded.
Nest Boxes for Coal Tits
If you want to attract coal tits to your garden, provide a nest box with a 25 mm entrance hole to exclude larger species like house sparrows and great tits. Place the box 1–3 meters above the ground, ideally on a tree trunk or wall close to conifers. Avoid facing the box due south to reduce overheating. Clean out old nests in autumn (after the breeding season) to reduce parasites. Coal tits are less aggressive than blue tits, so they may be displaced by other species; placing several boxes at least 5 meters apart can help.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
A common misconception is that coal tits only nest in conifers. While they prefer coniferous woodland, they will nest in deciduous woods and gardens if cavities are available. Another issue is that coal tits sometimes use nest boxes intended for other species, but they rarely compete aggressively. If a box is taken over by wasps or ants, remove the nest and clean the box. Also, coal tits may desert a nest if disturbed during egg laying; avoid checking boxes too frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do coal tits nest? In most of Europe, nesting starts in April, with eggs laid from late April to June. In milder southern regions, they may start in March.
How many broods do coal tits have? Usually one, but in southern areas or when food is abundant, they may raise a second brood in June–July.
Do coal tits use nest boxes? Yes, they readily use nest boxes with a 25 mm entrance hole, especially if placed near conifers or low in dense cover.
What do coal tit eggs look like? They are white with fine reddish-brown speckles, about 15 mm long, and are laid in clutches of 7–13.
How long do coal tit chicks stay in the nest? They fledge after 16–19 days, and the parents continue to feed them for another 2–3 weeks after leaving the nest.
Are coal tits aggressive to other birds? No, they are generally less aggressive than blue or great tits, and they may be driven away from nest sites by larger tits.
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