Welcome to our Paridae paradise! Step into the world of tits, chickadees, and titmice. Explore our range of ID guides and articles to uncover the secrets of these delightful songbirds. From their vibrant plumage to their clever behaviors, learn all about the fascinating lives of the birds in the Paridae family.
Overview of Paridae
The Paridae, commonly known as tits, chickadees, and titmice, are small songbirds belonging to the passerine family. They are native to the northern hemisphere and Africa. Formerly grouped under the genus Parus, they have since been reclassified. These birds are typically small and sturdy, with short, stout bills, and some sport crests. They vary in size from 10 to 22 centimeters. Adaptability characterizes them, as they have a mixed diet of seeds and insects.
Many species thrive in human habitats and readily visit bird feeders for nuts or seeds, often learning to eat other foods. In Britain, great tits and blue tits famously learned to open milk bottle caps to access the cream inside, although changes in milk packaging have ended this behavior. Parid species nest in cavities, typically in trees, though some build ground nests. They lay clutches ranging from three to nineteen speckled white eggs, depending on the species.
