Avsetts

Avsetts are a group of small to medium-sized birds belonging to the family Paridae, which includes tits and chickadees. They are native to the Palearctic region, including Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Avsetts are known for their distinctive appearance, with males typically having a blue or green cap, while females and immature birds have a brown cap. Both sexes have a white throat and breast, and a black face mask that extends to the back of the head.

Avsetts are insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects and spiders. They are often seen perching on branches or wires, where they can be observed pecking at the bark to extract insects. Avsetts are also known to feed on berries and seeds, particularly during the winter months.

The breeding season for avsetts varies depending on the species, but it typically occurs between April and July. Nests are usually built in trees, and the female lays 7-10 eggs. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the young.

Avsetts are generally considered to be shy and elusive birds, making them difficult to observe in the wild. However, they are not uncommon in suitable habitats, such as woodlands and gardens. Conservation status varies by species, with some considered to be of least concern, while others are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss and other factors.