What is the origin of the name 'Varied Tit'?

The name 'Varied Tit' comes from their habitat and body color. First, let me explain the meaning of 'Tit.' 'Tit' is a term used for small birds and is found in many small bird names. The Varied Tit is a small bird living in the mountains, thus it is called 'Varied Tit.' Another theory suggests the name comes from their orange belly, 'mountain thrush color.' Another theory is that the name 'Varied Tit' comes from the way they fly lightly over mountains, 'mountain light,' which became 'Varied Tit.' Since many birds live in the mountains, the name based on their orange belly distinguishes them from other birds.

Why do Varied Tits live where they do?

Varied Tits live in forests, woods, mountains, and flatlands below 1500 meters in altitude, and they can also be seen in parks. Though their name suggests they live in mountains, they don't inhabit high mountains. Varied Tits living above 1000 meters descend to warmer areas in winter. As the altitude increases, it gets colder, so Varied Tits that prefer warm areas don't live in high places. Varied Tits usually act in pairs but sometimes form flocks. These flocks include not only Varied Tits but also other birds like Great Tits, White-eyes, Pygmy Woodpeckers, and Long-tailed Tits, living together with neighboring small birds. They bathe in puddles and shallow waters in the forest to clean themselves, much like humans take baths. Varied Tits are not very wary of humans, often not minding if people approach. Sometimes they even land on people's hands if they have food. However, overfeeding them might make them dependent on humans for food, so it's better to watch them from a distance.

What do Varied Tits eat?

Varied Tits eat different things in summer and winter. In summer, they eat insects and spiders. They move from branch to branch, catching insects on trees and leaves. In winter, they eat fruits and nuts, skillfully picking them with their beaks while holding them with both feet. They seem to eat what is most available in each season. Varied Tits particularly like the fruit of the Japanese snowbell. Though the fruit's skin is poisonous, Varied Tits carefully peel the skin with their beaks, making a 'kotsu kotsu' sound, and eat only the flesh inside. They are quite skillful. Besides eating, Varied Tits also store food. They gather fruits from trees like Japanese snowbells, red pines, camellias, Castanopsis, and yews, hiding them in tree bark or burying them in the ground. They might do this to prepare for harsh winters or to provide for their families.

How do Varied Tits reproduce?

The breeding season for Varied Tits is from March to July. Males sing to declare their territory and attract females, with calls like 'Tsutsu, pi, tsutsupi,' 'Tsutsupiin, tsutsupiin,' 'Tsutsupin, tsutsupin,' repeated slowly. Males also present food like worms to females as a form of courtship, similar to giving a bouquet of roses. Once paired, the two birds stay together for life, which is quite romantic. The nest is built by the female in tree holes or woodpecker nests, using moss, feathers, and animal hair. She lays 3-8 eggs and incubates them for 12-14 days. The chicks hatch with monochrome colors and only a hint of red on their faces and chests. They are fed nutritious insects and larvae, growing into their colorful adult plumage. Chicks leave the nest after 18-20 days but may return for food occasionally. Varied Tits sometimes raise their young together with other small birds, ensuring a safe environment. Ouston's Varied Tits have fewer eggs and slower chick development due to scarce food and few predators. They focus on raising fewer but stronger individuals.

Why do Varied Tits hide nuts?

As mentioned earlier, Varied Tits hide nuts in various places as a reserve for harsh winters and to feed their chicks. They bury nuts shallowly in the ground or hide them in tree bark. They even check to ensure they are not being watched. In snowy regions, they hide nuts in higher places to avoid being buried in snow, showing their intelligence. Varied Tits scatter their food stores to avoid losing everything if discovered by other animals. They remember most hiding spots, ensuring they don't forget their stash. Their behavior not only secures food for themselves but also helps forest development. Hidden nuts sprout into new trees, and peeled nuts germinate more easily. Varied Tits' actions contribute to forest growth, perhaps reflecting gratitude to the trees that provide their food and habitat.

Is it true that Varied Tits were used for fortune-telling?

Varied Tits have long lived close to humans and were even kept as pets. Their friendly nature and intelligence allowed them to learn tricks, including fortune-telling. They would take coins from people, place them in a donation box, and pick a fortune slip to give to the person. They also performed other tricks like ringing shrine bells, playing small bells, passing through hoops, playing karuta, and playing instruments like drums and shamisen with their beaks. These activities were popular until the 1980s but ceased by the 1990s due to wildlife protection laws. While animals should live in nature, the history of Varied Tits living closely with humans is fascinating. Now, we should aim to coexist with them by observing and protecting them in their natural habitat.

Are Varied Tits an endangered species?

Varied Tits are listed as 'Least Concern' on the Red List, meaning they are not in immediate danger of extinction but still need protection. They are protected by wildlife laws, which prohibit capturing or keeping them as pets. However, some subspecies face extinction. The Namie Varied Tit and Ouston's Varied Tit are listed as 'Endangered IB,' and the Orii Varied Tit as 'Near Threatened.' The Daito Varied Tit was last seen in 1922 and declared extinct. Changes in their natural habitat can lead to food shortages and population decline. Protecting their environment is crucial for their survival.

Animal Article

Varied Tit

Do you know the bird called 'Varied Tit'? It's a bird familiar to Japanese people, so many of you may have seen it. Let's introduce the Varied Tit, which has striking body colors and interesting habits!