Just sorting through a batch of photos taken over the last few months and I am unsure whether this is a Willow or Marsh Tit, not a coal tit as no white band on head, can anyone clarify, thanks
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Hi Puffin, as I have not seen either a willow or marsh tit I am unable to help you with this but I had to comment as it's a brilliant photo.
Squirrel
The necessity of bird-watching is a really good reason for avoiding all forms of housework.
The dust will still be there tomorrow - the birds may not be!
Marsh tit & Willow tit are really similar to look a but I would probably say Marsh Tit only because the black bib under the beak is quite neat.
I may be wrong
Valmc
One Life - Live It!!
hi Gary
Super picture, and a joy to see at a feeding station. Was this taken in your own garden?
I would say it is a Marsh Tit. Marsh Tits are much more likely to appear at feeders over Willow Tits
Willow tits are a lot rarer also
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Valmc said: Marsh tit & Willow tit are really similar to look a but I would probably say Marsh Tit only because the black bib under the beak is quite neat. I may be wrong Valmc
LOL. Nightmare. Thank goodness for song.
Very rarely get a Marsh in Scotland.
Marsh tit has a grey line? on upper mandible on both sides of the bill . It also has a two tone appearance on the cheek, which I think I can make out from photograph, sorry not much help to you
All I ask is the chance to prove that money can't make me happy. Spike Milligan
Hi Kathy / Dave
I have thought it maybe a Marsh Tit but unsure really, I took this picture on the Wildlife reserve that I have created at work, if you look at the article in my photo gallery, its been a roaring success and we now attract more than the common birds, such as this one.
Gary
Hi Gary
I have just read the article in your photo gallery and am very impressed. What a wonderful way to make use of the area. I have no doubt the wildlife visitors are extremely grateful and feel sure the general public are appreciative as there is nothing more restful than sitting and watching wildlife for a while in the middle of a hectic schedule. Well done indeed.
Thank you for your reply.
Super pictures, and you enjoy your photography - I can see that from your pictures - they are excellent.
I have a look in your gallery and what a lovely selection you have. I will place comments accordingly - soon!
Other than what members have mentioned about the differences between the Marsh and the Willows Tits - here is another theory stated below.
Someone told me this a while ago -
1. The Marsh Tit has a more darker, shiney dapper cap and is very tidy and streamlined
2. The Willow Tit has a dark brown less tidy cap - cap feathers more ruffled
So looking at the picture - I would say Marsh Tit for definate
puffin said: Hi Kathy / Dave I have thought it maybe a Marsh Tit but unsure really, I took this picture on the Wildlife reserve that I have created at work, if you look at the article in my photo gallery, its been a roaring success and we now attract more than the common birds, such as this one. Regards Gary
Give it a squeeze and see what it sounds like!!!
Only joking really but the call is really the only was to separate them with confidence. It is very difficult to describe the calls but marsh tits go 'chay, chay, chay' and willow tit has a short 3-note buzz. I would go for a marsh tit as it seems to lack the obvious pale wing panel and has a pale base to the bill. Do you have any other images of different angles?
Willow tits are getting very scarce these days and in Norfolk and sightings now need to be submitted with a description!
Paul
I've been trying for the last 4 days to get a photo of what I thought was a Willow tit on my bird table. Unfortunately the only picture which has a bird in it, as against an empty bird table, the image is blurred and it just looks like a fluff ball. Now you have confused me further by telling me there is a Marsh tit too. I will persevere and catch the little beauty on film if it takes me forever.
Hi,
the size of the bib on this bird seems to indicate Coal Tit IMHO - there also appears to be a small smudge on the breast side which Coal Tits often show :)
S
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