Scientific name: Parus lugubris Temminck 1820
Bird group: Tits and allies
Field characters. 14 cm. Like Marsh Tit, but the size of Great Tit. Bill heavier than Marsh Tit. Crown and neck black, cheeks white, upperparts brown, underparts white with grey-brown flanks. Large black bib. Rarely seen in mixed flocks. Nests in holes in trees, but sometimes makes nest between rocks.
Voice. Like Great Tit, but also a characteristic 'churr' and 'sirra'.
Distribution. Rather common in south-east Europe.
Habitat. Mixed and pine forests, especially on rocky slopes.
Food. Invertebrates and seeds. Forages on branches.