The coal tit (Periparus ater) is a small passerine bird in the tit family, Paridae. Commonly found in forests across the temperate to subtropical regions of the Palearctic, including North Africa, it is typically around 10 to 11.5 cm in length. Adults are recognizable by their glossy blue-black head, a large white nape spot, and white tips on its wings, while juvenile birds are duller and lack the glossy appearance.
These birds thrive in temperate humid conifer forests. Coal tits are mostly year-round residents, with some local movements during harsh weather. The Siberian coal tit is more migratory than others in the family.
In winter, coal tits often form small flocks with other tit species and display acrobatic skills. Their diet includes beech mast, seeds from fir, and larch cones, and they frequent gardens for food such as sunflower seeds.
