Great Tit

Parus major

Meantán mór

Ox-eye, Teacher Bird, Saw Sharpener, Black-headed Tomtit

One of Ireland's top-20 most widespread garden birds.

Status: Resident

Conservation Concern: Green-listed in Ireland. The European population has been evaluated as Secure.

Identification: The largest of the tit family. Striking black head with large white cheek patches and black band running down the centre of a bright yellow breast. Back yellowish- green, wings and tail silvery blue. In flight, white outer tail feathers show. When perched, a distinct white wingbar shows. Bill is pointed but stout, legs bluish-grey.

Similar Species: Blue Tit, Coal Tit.

Call: Typical song a loud, full "teacher, teacher" and many other variations. Call a scolding sound or a quiet, repeated " tew, tew tew".

Diet: Mainly insects, seeds and nuts. Will use peanut feeder and take scraps on bird tables.

Breeding: Breeds throughout Ireland - prefers broad-leaved woodland, but also in farmland, parks and gardens. Nests in cavity in tree or wall. Often choosing unusual site such as a pipe or letterbox. Readily uses nestboxes.

Wintering: Widespread.

Where to See: Common and widespread throughout Ireland.

Monitored by: Countryside Bird Survey & Garden Bird Survey.