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Latin name

Poecile palustris

Family

Tits (Paridae)

Overview

Not distinguished from the willow tit as a separate species until 1897, the marsh tit is smart, clean looking bird with a small, well defined black bib and glossy black cap. As with so many woodland birds, its call is the best way of locating it. It feeds acrobatically and will hoard food if it finds a good supply. Recent population declines make this a Red List species.

Where to see them

Occurs across England and Wales, with a few in southern Scotland. It is most abundant in S Wales and southern and eastern England. Found largely in deciduous woodland, also copses, parks and gardens, but it is quite scarce in urban areas. When feeding it ranges from between the upper canopy to lower undergrowth.

When to see them

All year round.

What they eat

Insects and seeds

Estimated numbers

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Find out more

• Videos

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)

1 illustration

Marsh tit

Similar birds

Willow tit

Coal tit

Blackcap