Varied tit (Sittiparus varius)
Key data
Size: 11 - 14 cm
Weight: 10 - 14 g
Diet: seeds, insects, and butterfly larvae
Season: All year round
Observation tip: Central Asia to China, Korea, and Japan
Photography tips:
Lens: 400 mm or greater
Difficulty level: easy
The Varied Tit, also known as the Japanese Tit or Persian Tit, is a songbird species belonging to the family Paridae. It measures approximately 12 cm in length and weighs between 10-14 g. It is distinctively colored, with a black head and white face. The neck, shoulders, and upper back are bright blue, while the belly and flanks are orange. The wings and tail are bluish-gray.
The Varied Tit is widespread in many parts of Asia, from Turkey and the Caucasus to Central Asia, China, Korea, and Japan. Its habitat includes both deciduous and coniferous forests, as well as cultivated landscapes such as orchards and parks. The species is mostly sedentary and forms monogamous pairs throughout the year.
The Varied Tit's diet consists mainly of insects, spiders, and seeds, which it searches for in trees and bushes.