The varied tit is a perching bird from the tit family, Paridae. It occurs in the eastern Palearctic in Japan, Korea, and locally in northeastern China and extreme southeastern Russia.
Region
East Asia
Typical Environment
Found across much of Japan, Korea, and locally in northeastern China and extreme southeastern Russia. Occupies mixed and broadleaf woodlands, edges, and coniferous stands, as well as parks, gardens, and temple grounds. Prefers areas with mature trees that provide cavities for nesting and seeds for winter foraging. Often remains near reliable food sources year-round.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Varied tits are remarkably tame in parts of Japan and are often hand-fed at temples and parks. They cache seeds and nuts in bark crevices, remembering thousands of hiding spots. They readily use nest boxes and can be seen acrobatically hanging from twigs while foraging.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief undulating glides
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it often joins small mixed-species flocks with other tits and woodland birds. It nests in tree cavities and nest boxes, lining the chamber with moss and plant fibers. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season, and both parents feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied series of clear whistles and chattering notes, often delivered in short phrases. Calls include sharp scolds and a thin see-see used in contact and alarm contexts.
Plumage
Striking contrast of black head and throat, bold white cheek patches, and warm chestnut underparts with bluish-grey upperparts and wings. Feathers are smooth and compact, typical of tits, with a neat, well-defined bib.
Diet
Eats insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, especially in spring and summer. In autumn and winter it switches to seeds, nuts, and acorns, which it wedges and hammers open with its bill. It caches surplus food in bark crevices and under moss for later use, showing strong spatial memory.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper canopy and along trunks and larger branches, often hanging upside down to glean prey. Frequently visits feeders and human-influenced areas where seeds are offered.
