The great tit is the largest and most widespread tit species in Hungary. It traditionally breeds in woodpecker holes and also likes to nest in artificial holes, they write.

According to the MME, reports of great tits nesting in mailboxes are received every year.

Based on observations, the phenomenon can be considered common nationwide, and thanks to the mild weather for the season, it can be expected this year in the first half of March. Nests built in mailboxes are endangered by mail thrown in, which is why it is worth discussing possible solutions, the association draws attention to this.

As they write, the birds' migration can be prevented by installing a leaf collector with a drop-in opening covered by a swing door, and at the same time, by placing appropriate quality "B" type artificial nests in the area.

If the tits have already moved in, the intended use of the mailbox should be suspended, because the mail thrown in endangers the birds, the MME emphasizes. In such cases, they recommend installing an alternative mail collector for the period of approximately one month during which the chicks are hatched and reared, and posting an information notice for delivery personnel.

According to the information, the great tit can raise several broods per year, the last one even in late autumn, so it is willing to move into nesting sites that are less attractive to other species.

The most common example of this is a mailbox, but nests have also been found in hollow parts of fences and railings, vases, road markers, mattress rolls stored upright, upturned flower pots, candelabra, chimneys, earthenware pots, iron pipes and cigarette butt collectors on the street.

The nesting techniques of the great tit are based on the fact that it is less dependent on high-altitude nesting cavities than other tit species. This ability is particularly advantageous in civilized environments where artificial cavities abound.

The traditional mailbox type common in Hungary can be considered an artificial nest with a flat design and a wide opening in the eyes of tits.

Since these are located on the fence in a family home environment, clearly visible, tits can easily find them while searching for food or a nesting site, and they move in within a few days, building a complete nest – reads the MME statement.

Source: 
MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881.

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