The Lincolnshire Bird Club

Hi all

Does anyone have any advice on how to distinguish between the Marsh tit and the Willow tit please? I have seen a number of single individuals on recent visits to Messingham Sand Quarry, typically foraging amongst a larger party of Long tailed, Blue and Great tits. I am aware the call is the main distinguishing factor but quite often I find this is drowned out by the calls of the rest of the flock.

Thanks

Joe

Joe,
They are extremely difficult to distinguish even in the hand. http://www.bto.org/gbw/Species/BIRDS/_WILTI.htm may help. In this county, a generalization is that Marsh Tits can be found in and south of the Nocton/Potterhanworth Woods area whereas Willow Tits occur in isolated pockets to the north of that. Both are highly sedentary - ringing has shown that only 10% of Marsh Tits move more than 10km.from the place of ringing. Less than 25% of recoveries of ringed Willow Tits show a movement over 5km. from the place of ringing. Other more regular observers at Messingham may help but I would think that only Willow Tits can be found there.

Stuart,
Thanks for the response. I must admit I was swayed perhaps more towards Willow tit than Marsh tit on my initial observation so, based on what you've said it look likely that's probably what I saw. I'll make mention of it the next time i'm down at Messingham to see if anyone else has come across them recently as well.

Joe

If you get British Birds, there is an article in the Nov 2009 vol 102 issue on seperation of willow and marsh

Kev

Kev

Thanks for that i'll see if I can dig it out.

Joe