Photo 12. Physical characteristics: A very small, colourful bird with a bright blue crown, wings and tail, a yellow breast and belly, white cheeks and a black eye stripe resembling a mask. It measures about 10.5–12 centimetres and weighs roughly 7–11 grams. Its short, pointed bill is suited to extracting small insects from bark and opening seeds. Habitat and distribution: It favours deciduous woodland, especially oak forests, as well as gardens and dense trees. It is common in Kurdistan and often seen in orchards and gardens. It nests in natural tree holes or wall crevices, lining the cavity with soft moss, wool and feathers. Diet, behaviour and ecological role: In spring and summer it eats insects, spiders and larvae, especially caterpillars that damage leaves; in winter it switches more toward seeds. It is extremely active and acrobatic, often hanging upside down from thin branches. By consuming large numbers of caterpillars and aphids, it helps protect trees and plants from pests.
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