This attractive small tit is only resident in a restricted area of northern Scotland.

Although this species' range extends across large parts of Continental Europe, in Britain & Ireland Crested Tits can only be found in a northern Scotland, largely in the ancient Caledonian pine forests and Scots Pine plantations. Here, Crested Tits can be spotted working their way through the trees in search of pine seeds and invertebrate prey. They are also known to visit garden feeders. In winter, Crested Tits will join flocks with other tit species. At this time of year, Crested Tits will also cache food.

While the Crested Tit's body plumage is not dissimilar to that of a Marsh Tit or even a Coal Tit, its head plumage is unmistakable. It has a black collar, bib and stripe that extends from each eye and curls around the cheek, and then its black and white crest, which can appear extended or flattened back. Pairs make one to two breeding attempts per year, with females excavating a nest in dead wood, which is then lined with moss, lichen, hair or cobwebs before the eggs are laid.