Glanskop / March tit (thanks to Alastair!)

Willow Tit

2 weeks ago door Esther Esser

Points: 40

Spotted

The Willow Tit is a small, hardy passerine bird closely resembling the Marsh Tit, with a dull black cap and a small black bib. It is typically found in damper woodlands, particularly those with willow and alder, and is known for its ability to excavate its own nest holes in rotten wood.

Where to spot

Found across a broad range in northern and central Eurasia. It prefers damp deciduous or mixed woodlands, scrub, willow thickets, and areas with birch and alder.

How to spot

Distinguishing it from the Marsh Tit can be challenging; look for its duller, more sooty-black cap (not glossy), a slightly larger bib, and a pale patch on the upperwing panel (though difficult to see). Its diagnostic call is a harsh, nasal 'zee-zee-zeen' or a more drawn-out 'chay-chay-chay.'

When to spot

Present year-round as it is a largely sedentary species. Active throughout the day, foraging energetically.

Where to spot

Found across a broad range in northern and central Eurasia. It prefers damp deciduous or mixed woodlands, scrub, willow thickets, and areas with birch and alder.

How to spot

When to spot

Present year-round as it is a largely sedentary species. Active throughout the day, foraging energetically.

Credits: Erik Schepers

Credits: hans zwitzer

Willow Tits are one of the few tit species that regularly excavate their own nest cavities, preferring soft, rotting wood for their homes, a behaviour more commonly associated with woodpeckers.

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