Marsh or willow tit in western Henan, China (1 Viewer)

[beijingbabbler]

Hello, I saw this Poecile tit today in mountains at around 1000m elevation and was wondering what species it was. I haven't seen either willow or marsh tit before, although the latter is more likely here, and a lot of what I could find on differentiating the two species are from European birds. Any help appreciated, thanks!

 

[THE_FERN]

Someone with more experience will explain why this is wrong... [and using European distinctions]

I think willow [assuming these are the only 2 options]

• no sign of beak white spot
• the cheek looks white
• looks kind of big-headed
• cap is dull not glossy

 

[beijingbabbler]

Someone with more experience will explain why this is wrong... [and using European distinctions]

I think willow [assuming these are the only 2 options]

• no sign of beak white spot
• the cheek looks white
• looks kind of big-headed
• cap is dull not glossy

Thank you! After some research, it also seems that the willow tits here are expected to be in the Songar group (affinis ssp) with a much browner head than marsh tit, which seems right.