Sombre Tit (Parus lugubris)

Lacking some of the exuberance of other tit species, the Sombre Tit is a noticeably quiet, unobtrusive bird. Even in early spring, when most tits are singing lustily, the Sombre Tit can manage only a few phrases every hour. And while other tits can be hard to miss, the Sombre Tit has a habit of remaining undercover within the vegetation, working methodically in a small part of its territory before moving on, not dashing from place to place. It is found in a broad range of habitats, including mountain woodland (with deciduous or coniferous trees), scrub and cultivated areas such as orchards, and it is entirely restricted in our area to the south-east. Pairs are invariably well spread, suggesting that they have large territories and that these are occupied all year round.

With its powerful bill, the Sombre Tit can reach some items unavailable to the smaller tits. It is often seen holding large nuts and seeds in its feet whilst it hammers them open, and it will also wedge the more reluctant ones into the bark and work on them there. It will perch on seed-heads of various sorts, and tear them to pieces. This power compensates for its general lack of finesse and agility.

The nest is usually placed in a hole in a tree, but also regularly among rocks and on the ground. It contrast to those of most tits, the nest is not made of moss but of dry plant fragments and wool.