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Bearded tits - Howard Harrison

Bearded tits - image by Nature's Home reader Howard Harrison

One of the most rewarding aspects of watching birds is getting a glimpse of something that’s normally difficult to see. And if you’re a fan of wetland wildlife you’ll know that reedbeds are home to a variety of well-hidden, often shy and skulking, birds. There are the bitterns, beautifully camouflaged herons that blend in with yellow and brown winter reeds. There are water rails, which you might see skitter across ice when it’s really cold but otherwise stay deep under cover. It’s often easier to hear than to see these birds. But there’s another reedbed resident that if you know where to look, may not be as hard to spot: the bearded tit.

Actually neither tits nor bearded, though the male sports a fine “moustache”, these are attractive small birds. This shot by Steve Knox shows that moustache in all its glory!
Bearded tit (male) - Steve Knox
Male bearded tit - image by Nature's Home reader Steve Knox
In winter they feed on reed seeds: this female was photographed doing just that at our Old Moor nature reserve by Alan Wilshaw.
Female bearded tit - Alan Wilshaw
Female bearded tit - image by Nature's Home reader Alan Wilshaw

Unlike the bittern and the water rail, they’re more likely to be near the top of the reeds where their winter food is. You may catch them moving through the tops of the vegetation: listen out for their delightful ‘pinging’ calls as they keep in touch with one another. Find out more about these wonderful birds in this video, where we explore an unusual addition to their diet, what they get up to in winter and where to go and see them - including our Lodmoor and Leighton Moss reserves.