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Crested tit

This unmistakable bird rarely strays far from Scots pine woodlands.

Scotland’s special subspecies of crested tit is called Lophophanes cristatus scoticus. Other types of crested tit occur in Europe.

In Scots pine woodlands, look out for:

females excavating nest holes in old pine stumps
groups of fledged young from late May onwards
crested tits among mixed flocks of woodland birds in winter

Protection of crested tits

Find out how Scotland’s wild birds are protected.

Learn about birds and licensing.

Read our guidance for planners and developers on protected animals.

Last updated:20/02/2023

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