The age old question, Marsh or Willow?


Both heading towards the sunflower seeds.
We live next to farmland with both marshy land and (not surprisingly) willows.
They don't hang about to sing , just eat and scarper.
Help please.

  • As the others have suggested, it is difficult to guarantee species ID in this case without hearing them as they are so similar. You don't need to hear them sing as such, but Willow Tits often make very, very nasal calls when coming to feed so listen out for that when they are around. Geographic location can help, eg Marsh Tits are almost unknown in my area, which makes it easier, but you'd need to ask an experienced local birder for that.
    Possible indicators are the pale wing bar and, arguably more important, the lack of a white mark at the base of the bill which suggests these might be Willow Tits ... to me, anyway.
    If you want to know more, the BTO have a good video on their website on looking for the differences between these two.
  • Thanks Guys,

    I thought it might be a tricky one I will try the video and nip to a reserve where somebody can tell me what I'm looking at when I'm there.
    In the mean time I think I'll just call them Marsh Willows, my wife will know what I mean.