Marsh tit

Poecile palustris
  • Where it lives:

  • Non native species

About

The marsh tit is a small, mainly brown bird, with a shiny black cap, neat black bib and pale belly. It is so similar to the willow tit that ornithologists didn't realise they were two separate species until 1897!

Despite their name, marsh tits are most often found in broadleaf woodland, copses, parks and gardens. They feed mostly on insects, seeds and berries, and often cache food over winter if they find a good supply. They nest in existing tree holes, rather than excavating their own, and produce seven to nine eggs.

How to identify

There are a few features which help distinguish marsh and willow tit: marsh tit have a glossier black cap and a neater bib under the chin; they have a pale 'cutting' edge to their beaks which can be seen up close; and they produce a 'pitchoo' call, which sounds a bit like a sneeze.

Did you know?

Marsh tits can be attracted to large gardens near to woodland by putting out peanuts, sunflower seeds and fat balls.