The Eurasian blue tit (Parus caeruleus) is a small passerine bird in the tit family Paridae, however various authorities dispute their scientific classification. This species is very popular in Italy and can be found in protected areas of Salerno province. Lives mainly in forests of a low altitude and it is a constant researcher of orchards or gardens, where one can admire its “acrobatic” skills, as it can cling to the outermost branches and hang upside down when looking for food.
The bird is easily identified by its blue and yellow plumage, while its forehead and a bar on the wing, are white. It is a non-migratory bird.
Famous for its voracity, this bird catches daily a high amount of insects, so it has a principal role in the food chain and at the same time it contributes to maintain in a low level the number of noxious insects in agricultural terrains.
Eurasian blue tits are able to culturally transmit learning to other tit species. An example of this, dating from the 1920s, is the ability to open milk bottles with foil tops, to get at the cream underneath. However this behavior does not exist anymore because human habits have changed.
Songs are mostly used in late winter and spring to defend the territory or to attract mates.
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Notes
BirdLife International 2004. Cyanistes caeruleus In: IUCN 2010.IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Versione 2010.1
Mario Spagnesi, Lorenzo Serra - Uccelli d'Italia - Ministero dell'ambiente e della tutela del territorio, Direzione conservazione della natura, 2003