Marsh Tit

Poecile palustris

Genus · Chickadees and Allies Family · Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice
Observation tips Difficulty: MODERATE
Best time
🕒 Any
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Best months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Observation habitat
Bird feederScrub patchesTree branches

Listen for the 'sneezing' call. Look for a glossy black cap and a very small black 'chin-strap' bib.

Marsh Tit
Stats
Wingspan18–21 cm
Weight9–15 g
Length11–13 cm
Lifespan wild2–11 yrs
Size
XS
S
M
L
XL
Nesting
Nest typeCavity
Clutch size6–9 eggs
Incubation13–15 days
Breeding months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Regional Status (Europe)
LC
Least Concern (Europe)
IUCN Red List
MigrationResident
Social BehaviourFlocking

Diet: Omnivore

🫐Berries
🦗Insects
🥜Nuts
🌻Seeds
🕷️Spiders

Habitat

🌳 Forest deciduous🏡 Garden🍎 Orchard🏙️ Urban
✦ Fun Fact

Marsh Tit pairs stay together and defend the same territory all year round, even in winter, instead of joining the large roaming flocks formed by many other tit species.

About

This bird is usually found in broadleaved woodlands and orchards rather than marshes. It is very similar to the Willow Tit. It typically has a glossier black cap and a smaller black bib. It lacks the pale wing-panel of the Willow Tit. It is a resident bird and an energetic visitor to garden feeders in winter.

Behaviour

Marsh Tits are highly territorial. They are 'hoarders' and frequently hide seeds under moss or in bark crevices. Their most common call is an explosive, sneezing 'pitch-u!'. This is the most reliable way to tell them apart from Willow Tits.

Similar species

Willow Tit
🐦
Willow Tit
Poecile montanus
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