Paridae

The tits, chickadees, and titmice belong to the Paridae family, which primarily inhabits the Northern Hemisphere and Africa. North American birds in this family are called “chickadees” or “titmice,” while Eurasian and African species are known as “tits.” These small, stocky birds range in length from 10 to 22 cm (3.9 to 8.7 in) and have a mixed diet of seeds and insects. Many are common around human habitats and readily visit bird feeders.

Tits are widely found across Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa, with various genera such as Poecile (chickadees), Periparus (including the coal tit), and others. They are active, social, and territorial during breeding seasons, often forming mixed-species flocks during nonbreeding periods. Highly adaptable and intelligent, tits can recognize dangerous species and take measures to protect their families.

Cavity-nesting birds, most tits build nests in trees, although some species nest on the ground. clutch sizes vary widely, with blue tits sometimes laying as many as 19 eggs. Many tit species practice cooperative breeding, maintaining social flocks outside of the breeding season. Mating dances and courtship feeding are common among these birds, with most being monogamous, except for the blue tit, which is typically polygynous.