Bearded Tit
Panurus biarmicus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Bearded Tit is a small, elegant bird with a long tail and distinctive facial markings. Males have a blue-grey head with a striking black 'moustache' or 'beard', contrasting with their warm cinnamon-brown body and bright orange bill.
Females lack the moustache and have a more uniform brown plumage. Both sexes have long tails and short, rounded wings. Juveniles look similar to females but with darker bills and less defined markings.
Size
Length
13cm to 15cm
Wingspan
16cm to 18cm
Weight
12g to 18g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Bearded Tits are primarily found in extensive reedbeds and wetlands across Europe and Asia. Their range extends from the UK and Spain in the west to China in the east, with populations varying in density across this broad area.
In the UK, they are resident in suitable habitats year-round, with some local movements in winter. Key areas include the Norfolk Broads, Somerset Levels, and various coastal wetlands around England and Wales.
Elevation Range
Up to 3,050 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Continental
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Bearded Tit. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Bearded Tit displays remarkable agility, particularly in its acrobatic reed-climbing skills. Its ability to cling to and navigate through dense reedbeds with ease demonstrates exceptional manoeuvrability and balance.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small passerine, the Bearded Tit's strength is relatively low compared to larger birds. However, its ability to cling to reeds and withstand windy conditions in its wetland habitat suggests a moderate level of strength for its size.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
The Bearded Tit shows impressive adaptability, particularly in its unique ability to switch diets seasonally. Its capacity to develop specialised gizzards for grinding reed seeds in winter demonstrates remarkable physiological adaptation.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Bearded Tits are generally non-aggressive birds, often seen in social flocks outside the breeding season. While males may display territorial behaviour during breeding, they are not known for significant aggressive tendencies.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Bearded Tit's endurance is noteworthy, particularly considering its ability to survive harsh winter conditions in wetlands and its capacity to consume up to 2,000 seeds per day. Its partial migratory behaviour also suggests a good level of stamina.
Diet
Bearded Tits have a varied diet that changes seasonally. In summer, they primarily feed on insects and spiders found in reedbeds. Their main prey consists of mayflies, moths, beetles, mosquitoes, dragonflies, and their larvae.
During winter, they switch to reed seeds, developing specialised gizzards to grind these tough seeds—a unique adaptation among small songbirds. Seeds from grasses, nettles, willowherb, sedges, and rushes, are among the most popular.
Behaviour
Bearded Tits are highly social, often seen in small flocks outside the breeding season. They exhibit remarkable agility, clinging acrobatically to reed stems while foraging.
During cold weather, they adapt their diet from insects to reed seeds, a unique behaviour among small passerines.
Vocalisation
The Bearded Tit's most distinctive call is a clear, ringing 'ping' or 'ting', reminiscent of a bicycle bell. They also produce soft, nasal 'zree' contact calls when in flocks.
During the breeding season, males sing a quiet, warbling song that includes mimicry of other wetland birds.
Nesting & Breeding
Bearded Tits form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, which typically runs from April to August. Males perform elaborate courtship displays, including vertical flights above the reeds.
Nests are built low in the reeds, often just above water level. They are cup-shaped structures made from reed leaves and lined with reed flowers. Females lay 5-7 cream-coloured eggs with dark speckles.
Incubation lasts about 12-13 days, shared by both parents. Chicks fledge after 12-15 days but remain dependent on parents for another 1-2 weeks. Pairs often raise 2-3 broods per season.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While listed as Least Concern globally, Bearded Tits face localised threats due to habitat loss and degradation of wetlands.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving and managing reedbed habitats, particularly in countries like the UK, where they are a species of conservation concern.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
3,000,000 - 5,800,000 mature individuals [2]
Global Population Trend
Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their distinctive 'ping' calls in reedbeds
- Look for small groups moving through reeds, especially at dawn and dusk
- Watch for their acrobatic movements as they cling to reed stems
- In the UK, visit coastal wetlands and inland marshes for the best chances of spotting them
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Did You Know?
- Bearded Tits can eat up to 2,000 seeds per day in winter.
- They have special throat pouches to store seeds for later grinding in their gizzards.
- Despite their name, they are not related to the tit family and are the only species in their family, Panuridae.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Panurus biarmicus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22716776A87767500.
View source - 3
website, 2012: Robinson and Clark, The Online Ringing Report: Bird ringing in Britain & Ireland in 2011
View source
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