Coal Tit

Periparus ater

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7 recent observations

Brief #

Grey above, whiteish below with a distinctive large white nape spot on its black head.

Synonyms #

  • Carbonero garrapinos (Spanish)
  • FerreiriƱo negro (Galician)

Red List Status #

The Coal Tit is unlikely to become extinct in the near future.
Find out more about IUCN's Red List program here

Description #

Has a distinctive large white nape spot on its black head. The head, throat and neck of the adult are glossy blue-black, setting off the off-white sides of the face and the brilliant white nape; the white tips of the wing coverts appear as two wingbars. The underparts are whitish shading through buff to rufous on the flanks. The bill is black, the legs lead-coloured, and irides dark brown. Young birds are duller than the adults, lacking gloss on the black head, and with the white of nape and cheeks tinged with yellow.

Measurements #

Length: 10 - 12 cm
Wingspan: 17 - 21 cm
Weight: 8 - 10 g

Similar species #