Blue Tit

Parus caeruleus

General information. The blue tit is a newcomer among Finland’s bird species. The population has grown significantly over the past few years. As recent as the 19th century, the blue tit was a rare, southern dwelling species in Finland. The blue tit has been growing increasingly common in Vaasa since the 1980’s, where the very first observations were made in 1915.

• Length 13 cm
• Nests in nesting boxes or tree cavities
• Predominantly sedentary species
• Feeds on insects, seeds, buds, berries, suet and peanuts

Habitat. The blue tit nests in city parks, detached housing and forest areas. Populations are usually denser in detached housing areas due to the presence of nesting boxes.

Distribution in Vaasa. Judging from the field observations conducted during the survey, it can currently be stated that the blue tit is a commonly occurring nesting species in Vaasa. It was found in over 200 survey blocks during nesting season, making it almost as common as the Eurasian siskin. The blue tit predominantly inhabits cultural landscape areas, however it can also be found nesting farther away from built up areas such as the Gerby archipelago, and in the coniferous and mixed-type forests located on the outskirts of the city.