Great tit
The great tit (chestus major) is a species of bird in the tit family. It is widespread in most parts of the globes, including North America, South America, Europe, and even Africa. It is noticeably rarer in Asia, although a few outstanding examples have been found [expansion needed]. It is one of the most commonly hunted types of bird, and, while not nearing extinction, has been subject to increasing degrees of legal protection.
Characteristics[edit | edit source]
Although there is some disagreement among zoologists about how to best characterize the great tit, bird-watchers commonly agree on a few tell-tale signs. First is their roundness. Almost everyone agrees that great tits must be round. Second is size. While all tits are highly valuable, there is still disagreement over distinguishing between the great tit, the medium tit, and the diminutive lesser tit. Third is fullness. The great tit is usually also round on top, and supports itself quite well.
There are also more minor attributes of the great tit, which are more subject to variation. Their spot, when visible, is most often large. Their flesh is supple. They can sometimes be seen bobbing energetically, perhaps looking for food (great tits love worms).
Great tits can be any color, from an almost-white light tan to near-black dark brown. Yellow great tits have also been found in Asia, but tend to be smaller than their counterparts from other continents.
The great tit has a relatively short lifespan and most don't make it past 35 years old. Some notable examples have survived to age 60 or even beyond, when well cared for. (Some owners choose to preserve their tits by stuffing.)
Habitat[edit | edit source]
The great tit is not domesticated (despite numerous attempts) but still lives almost exclusively around human settlements. They are the most common in large cities but can also be found in suburbs and even rural areas.
Hunting[edit | edit source]
The great tit is in such great demand that young men are widely expected to hunt them, starting in their teenage years. Men devote a sizable portion of their lives to trying to catch and tame them.
Every conceivable form of bait is used, including shiny objects (coins, watches or jewelry), engine noise (of loud sports cars or motorcycles), and nesting places. Recent research suggests that great tits might have an unusual preoccupation with height.
Hunters who seek great tits for nourishment or breeding sometimes die without being able to catch a single bird.
Protection[edit | edit source]
Bird advocacy groups have pushed for increasingly stringent protections of all birds since the 1970s. Because the great tit is most commonly hunted, protections around it can be especially severe.
For now, as long as you can coax one into your home of its own free will, and don't stop it from leaving, it is technically still legal to keep one.
Because many men cannot afford to keep their own, or are afraid to under the legal climate, websites with livestreams and other content are increasingly popular. One such popular "digital zoo" is OnlyFans.