Blue Tit
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Cyanistes caerulesus
Common & widespread residents with 3.3 million pairs in Britain plus 2.2 million birds in Ireland.
Also breeds in mainland Europe, Near East & North West Africa.
Adults have an intensely blue crown and a dark blue line passing through the eye and encircling the white cheeks and chin.
The nape, wings and tail are blue, and the back is yellowish green.
The bill is black, the legs are bluish grey, and the irises are dark brown.
The sexes are similar and often indistinguishable to the human eye, but under ultraviolet light, the crown of the male is brighter blue.
Juveniles are yellower and have fewer contrasting colours.
Songs are mostly performed in late winter and spring to defend the territory or to attract mates.