Your wildlife photography guide.
Explore the coal tit in detail, study its behavior, prepare your shots.
Where to observe and photograph the coal tit in the wild
Learn where and when to spot the coal tit in the wild, how to identify the species based on distinctive features, and what natural environments it inhabits. The WildlifePhotographer app offers tailored photography tips that reflect the coal tit’s behavior, helping you capture better wildlife images. Explore the full species profile for key information including description, habitat, active periods, and approach techniques.
Coal tit
Scientific name: Periparus ater
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Family: PASSERIDAE
Group: Birds
Sensitivity to human approach: Tolerant
Minimum approach distance: 10 m
Courtship display: April to May
Incubation: 14-16 jours
Hatchings: April to May
Habitat:
Coniferous and mixed woodlands
Activity period :
Primarily active during the day, with peak activity in the morning and late afternoon.
Identification and description:
The coal tit is a small passerine, 10–12 cm long, with slate-grey plumage, a black cap, white bib, and subtly streaked flanks. It frequents coniferous and mixed woodlands across Europe, often at edges or low in the canopy, where it forages on branches and trunks for insects and spiders. Solitary or in small family groups, it may join communal roosts in winter. During the breeding season, pairs defend their nest site together, placing the nest in a tree cavity or an old tit nest.
Recommended lens:
300 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.
Photography tips:
Photograph the coal tit at dawn or dusk using a telephoto lens of ≥300 mm, positioning low to isolate the bird against the foliage background. Use a fast shutter speed to freeze motion and a shallow depth of field to accentuate its contrasting plumage.
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