The coal tit (Lat. Parus ater or Periparus ater) is a small bird that is widespread all over Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It lives in coniferous forests. In southern Europe, it occurs in deciduous forests, where it builds its nest not only in tree hollows, but also in holes in the ground such as burrows, or in between rocks. In Western Europe, coal tits are common in parks and gardens.