About Lophophanes cristatus (Linnaeus, 1758)
The crested tit, also called the European crested tit, has the scientific name Lophophanes cristatus. It is a passerine bird that belongs to the tit family Paridae. This species is a widespread and common resident breeder. It lives in coniferous forests across central and northern Europe, and also occupies deciduous woodland in France and the Iberian Peninsula. In Great Britain, the crested tit is mainly restricted to the ancient pinewoods of Inverness and Strathspey in Scotland, and it rarely strays far from its usual ranges. A small number of vagrant crested tits have been recorded in England. The crested tit is a resident species, and most individuals do not migrate. This tit is easy to recognize. It has an erectile crest, the tip of which is often recurved, plus a distinctive gorget and collar. Like other tits, it is talkative, and individuals produce a constant zee, zee, zee call that is similar to the call of the coal tit. The crested tit builds its nest in a hole inside rotting stumps. This bird often feeds at low positions in trees. While it is not shy, it is not always easy to approach. It will join mixed-species winter flocks that include other tit species. Like other tits, it occurs in pairs, and feeds on both insects including caterpillars and seeds.
