Coal tit

Short crest and pointed head.

Scientific name	Periparus ater
English name	Coal tit
Japanese name	Higara
Classification	Aves
Classification details	Passeriformes Paridae
Full length	about 11cm
Distribution	Distributed in Eurasia and northern Africa. From Hokkaido to Kyushu in Japan.

Characteristics

With a body length of about 11 cm, it is the smallest species among the Kara found in Japan. It looks one size smaller than a titmouse.

The head and chest are covered with black feathers. The difference from titmouses and chickadees is that the black plumage breaks off in a horizontal straight line on the chest. The head has short crest feathers, and the head looks slightly pointed. The belly is light brown from the tail and the back is gray. The back of the head also has vertical white feathers.

Calls

Short repetitions of the phrases "tupi, tupi, tupi" and "tupin, tupin, tupin" similar to those of a great tit.

Ecology

Inhabits coniferous forests in flatlands and mountains. It descends to low places in winter and forms mixed flocks with other callas. It eats insects, spiders and seeds.

Habitat

Near Kattsuru Pass

I took this picture in December in a pine forest on the side of the road that extends from Katsuki Pass. They came in mixed flocks with great tit, varied tit, and long-tailed tit. It looked one size smaller than a titmouse.