Taxonomy
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Birds
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Paridae
Genus: Lophophanes
Species: Lophophanes cristatus
Conservation Status of the Species in Portugal and Worldwide
Portugal
World
Features and
Habits
In terms of dimensions, it has a length of approximately 12 cm and a wingspan between 17 and 20 cm. Regarding its characteristics, the most noticeable aspect is its crest, as well as the contrast between the grayish-white color on its face and the brown color on the rest of its body. It also has a white "collar" bordered in black and a black stripe that runs from its beak to its chest.
It feeds on insects and their larvae throughout the spring and summer, and on seeds and other plant material during the autumn and winter. They are also known to store food for the colder months, keeping it in tree cavities. It nests in these cavities using moss and feathers. The female lays between 5 and 9 eggs and incubates them for about 14 to 16 days. After hatching, both parents feed the chicks for 18 to 22 days, until they become independent.
Habitat and Distribution
It is a common resident bird (found in Portugal throughout the year). It is observed throughout the country, however it is less common in urban areas and treeless plains such as in the Alentejo region. Its habitats are forested areas, preferring pine forests, but also frequenting cork oak and holm oak forests. The places in the country where they are most frequently observed are in the north the Peneda-Gerês National Park, in Aveiro the São Jacinto nature reserve, and in the south the Sado estuary.
Places where I have photographed this species so far.
All Photographs Taken
