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==Identification== | ==Identification== | ||
| − | 11.5cm. Sooty brown cap, buff under parts, rufous flanks, pale buff edgings to the secondaries form a light patch on the closed wing. Often has pale edges to inner edges of bill but lacks pale spot on upper mandible at base of bill as seen on Marsh Tit. Cheek is usually plain buff-white. | + | 11.5cm. Sooty brown cap, buff under parts, rufous flanks, pale buff edgings to the secondaries form a light patch on the closed wing. Often has pale edges to inner edges of bill but lacks pale spot on upper mandible at base of bill as seen on Marsh Tit. Cheek is usually plain buff-white. Overall scruffy looking as opposed to the dapper looking Marsh Tit. |
It is often confused with [[Marsh Tit]] but the pale panel on the secondaries is a good distinguishing feature when present. Also the [[Marsh Tit]] has a distinctive 'pish-ooo' call which Willow Tit lacks. Willow Tit's song is very nasal, as if it has a bad cold. | It is often confused with [[Marsh Tit]] but the pale panel on the secondaries is a good distinguishing feature when present. Also the [[Marsh Tit]] has a distinctive 'pish-ooo' call which Willow Tit lacks. Willow Tit's song is very nasal, as if it has a bad cold. | ||
Revision as of 15:02, 28 December 2009
Previously known as Parus montanus
- Poecile montana
Identification
11.5cm. Sooty brown cap, buff under parts, rufous flanks, pale buff edgings to the secondaries form a light patch on the closed wing. Often has pale edges to inner edges of bill but lacks pale spot on upper mandible at base of bill as seen on Marsh Tit. Cheek is usually plain buff-white. Overall scruffy looking as opposed to the dapper looking Marsh Tit.
It is often confused with Marsh Tit but the pale panel on the secondaries is a good distinguishing feature when present. Also the Marsh Tit has a distinctive 'pish-ooo' call which Willow Tit lacks. Willow Tit's song is very nasal, as if it has a bad cold.
For a exhaustive discussion on the ID of Marsh and Willow Tits see this thread [[1]].
Distribution
Central Palearctic region.
Taxonomy
Polytypic. Consists of eleven subspecies.
Habitat
Mixed forests.
Behaviour
It excavates a nesting hole usually in a rotten stump or in a tree, lined with fur, hair and wood chips, but feathers are sometimes used. 6-9 eggs with reddish spots or blotches are laid.
The diet includes caterpillars, insects and seeds.
