Blue tits are one of the most common and recognisable visitors across UK gardens, with the stunning bird being recognised for its mix of blue, yellow, white and green plumage. Its cheeky nature and trilling chirp makes it a garden-favourite species amongst green-thumbers.
There are approximately 2.5 million blue tits reported across Britain and Ireland, making it one of the most common garden bird species on the island. These birds look almost exotic when compared to the common house sparrow or blackbirds — and it’s fairly easy to entice them to your gardens with a few simple methods.
Blue tits are known for raising large broods — laying anywhere between seven to 13 eggs, sometimes even 19, and both the male and female are very similar in appearance. Sometimes the males can have brighter hues on their feathers, particularly on their heads.
Their breeding season begins from mid-April and blue tits often tend to choose garden nest boxes as their nesting sites but the burning question remains — how do you get these darling birds to frequent your beloved garden?
According to Love Garden Birds, when it comes to feed, blue tits particularly love suet balls and suet pellets.
Suet balls tend to be the ideal food source to provide these birds with sustenance during the harsher winter months, giving them the calories and energy they require to keep them going. In fact, not only are suet balls a favourite with blue tits, they’re loved by robins and long-tailed tits as well.
So if you’re looking for simple ways to tempt blue tits onto feeders, suet balls are a great shout. It’s absolutely imperative to ensure you hang your feeders far away from fences and trees though, because these serve as the perfect perches for felines and domestic cats, who happen to be one of the main causes of blue tit mortality.
This common UK bird species is so fond of lunchtime acrobatics that they sometimes eat upside down, so it’s best to provide them with feeders they can easily grip onto. A mesh peanut feeder is perfect for blue tits, as they can hop about on it and scurry up and down.
Peanuts are another excellent source of protein for blue tits and are likely their second favourite food after suet balls. However, they shouldn’t be left out during nesting season, as adult birds often feed them to their chicks without realising that the nuts can be too large and difficult for the young to digest.
Experts at Wildlife and Birdcare have also shared their top tips for attracting Blue Tits to gardens — and it’s by creating the perfect nesting spot for them.
The experts advise: “If you want to attract Blue Tits to your garden, make or buy a nest box with a hole around 32mm wide. Then position it 2.5 metres up a tree or you can fix it to a tall fence or wall. Just make sure it’s out of the reach of any predators including cats.
“The space in front of the entrance needs to be clear and placed in a shady area, facing north-east. Always avoid strong sunlight. A slanted nest box is the best design for Blue Tits.”
Blue tits are typically non-migratory birds that stay close to their birthplace, although some individuals do travel. Therefore, the birds visiting your garden in winter may have originated from other parts of northern Europe.
The experts explain: “Winter poses significant challenges for many wildlife species, and Blue Tits are no exception. They depend on supplemental feeding during the colder months, and offering a snug nest box can provide valuable overnight shelter. Sadly, nearly two-thirds of juvenile Blue Tits don’t survive their first year. However, those that do often begin breeding the following spring.”
Throughout the autumn season, blue tits are known to indulge in elder and hawthorn berries (haws). If you have room in your garden for these berry-laden trees, you can expect flocks of blue tits from September until December.
By providing regular food and cultivating a garden filled with wildlife-friendly flowers, you’ll soon be hosting numerous vibrant cyan guests.