The crested tit is easy to recognise, for besides its erectile crest, the tip of which is often recurved, its gorget and collar are distinctive. It is, like other tits, talkative, and birds keep up a constant zee, zee, zee birdsong, similar to that of the coal tit.

It makes a nest in a hole in rotting stumps. This bird often feeds low down in trees in search of insects, spiders and seeds. Although not shy, it is not always easily approached. It will join winter tit flocks of other species.

They will visit bird tables in gardens. A few vagrant crested tits have been seen in England. It is resident, and most individuals do not migrate.