I really wish i could tell the difference between the two but they look so similar, took this yesterday at the feeding station, can anyone confirm marsh or willow tit?
Thanks
Gary
http://walksnwildlife.blogspot.com/
visit http://walksnwildlife.blogspot.com/
I would *guess* at willow tit due to the lighter bits on the wings... but it really is a guess as I'm no good with these to either!!
Superb photo anyway!!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr
Hi Puffin
I shouldn't really be answering this post as my knowledge of id'ing birds isn't worth talking about. However according to my book if it has a shiny head it's a Marsh and if it has a dull head (bit like meself) then it's a Willow - so? what does that tell you?
Lovely photo by the way - I wouldn't mind either coming my way.
Regards
Kerry
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kezmo6310/
What a beautiful photo! I am no expert either but having studied my book where, luckily, they have the two on the same page making comparisons a little easier, I am inclined to agree with MarJus.
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!
Hi,
Marsh and Willow tit are probably the hardest species to separate in Britain. Despite handy helpful indicators such as the pale secondary panel and the bull necked appearance of most Willows, the pale mandible edge on the bill of Marsh - the only 100% reliable feature is call.
Marsh tits call 'Pitchoo', Willow Tits call 'Chay Chay' as if they have a bad cold.
Your bird shows characters of both ( like a lot of photos ) - I'm tempted to go with Willow so far but more pics would be helpful. Have you heard it call?
:))
S
For advice about Birding, Identification,field guides, binoculars, scopes, tripods, etc - put 'Birding Tips' into the search box
Hi Puffin, First thing I must say is what a Cracker, love this shot! As for ID, well without song as people have mentioned it is a challenge.
The shinny black head points to Marsh, I think, that and the fact that the numbers say you are about 7 times more likely to be looking at a Marsh than a Willow. I would point to the odds and say Marsh Tit.
Hope it helps good luck and have a great Christmas.
John :-)
For viewing or photography right place right time is everything. I'd rather be in the right place with poor kit than have the best kit and be in the wrong place.
I would point at a Marsh Tit for obvious reasons.
Marsh Tits are more numerous than Willow Tits and are more likely to be seen in using your garden feeders
The Willow Tits have a more scruffy unkept black cap
Other slight differances is that the Willow Tit has white cheek patches
On the other hand the Marsh has more buff/white coloured cheek patches.
To me your picture indicates buff/white cheeks. The bird in your picture has a shiny smooth black cap too
So it points at Marsh Tit to me.
Hope this helps
Kathy and Dave
Hi Highland, Yep i totally agree with you here, numbers alone tell me that i'd put my money on it being a marsh tit. Willow tits appear to have suffered from the decreased sanctuary of wetter woodland and marsh tits need woods with good scrub layers . The only way that i know of to tell them apart in the feild is by thier calls. listen on the webpages
http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/m/marshtit/index.aspx
Best wishes and merry christmas!
great photo. A bit of a mixed bag of replies three for Willow Tit and Three For Marsh Tit.
May I ask in what habitat was the photo taken.
Regards Buzzard
Nature Is Amazing - Let Us Keep It That Way
the bird in the photo shows, allowing for slight over exposure:
A willow type bill with no obvious pale cutting edge.
A willow type set of pale edgings to the secondaries- marsh shows this only in fresh plumage
willow type tone to the flanks- allowing for any over exposure etc,
An indeterminate flared bib
Marsh type buff on the ear coverts- sadly the head angle doesnt help decide how bull necked or otherwise the bird is :(
Playing the numbers is a good starting point but birds like to shatter our pre-conceived ideas :)
Couldn't answer your query but really love the photo!
puffin said: I really wish i could tell the difference between the two but they look so similar, took this yesterday at the feeding station, can anyone confirm marsh or willow tit? Thanks Gary http://walksnwildlife.blogspot.com/
'I never saw a wild thing feel sorry for itself'.