What they like

Conifers with character. Pines and spruces where they hangs acrobatically from cones. But he’s just as happy in a messy corner with shrubs. Hang a nest box on the forest edge, in a park or on a farmyard: small entrance hole, quiet spot. Leave dead branches and old trunks; that’s where they picks out his snacks. In farmland: restore dense, varied hedgerows and shelterbelts. Take the wind out, bring life in.

Ecological importance

An insect-eater with a bonus: they clears caterpillars, larvae and little spiders from trees. In winter they switches to seeds, especially from conifers. He themself ends up on the menu of the sparrowhawk and cats—so provide cover: dense shrubs, thorn hedges, not neatly clipped “tidy” edges.

When in the Netherlands

All year round. In autumn and winter there’s an extra chance due to wandering birds from the north and east.

Status

Common. Locally dependent on conifer woodland and suitable breeding sites.