Marsh Tit
Poecile palustris
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Marsh Tit is a small, compact bird with a distinctive black cap and bib. Its upperparts are greyish-brown, while the underparts are pale buff to off-white. The cheeks are white, creating a striking contrast with the black head.
Both sexes look alike, with no seasonal variation in plumage. Juveniles resemble adults but have duller colouration and a less defined cap.
Size
Length
11.5cm to 12.5cm
Wingspan
18cm to 20cm
Weight
9g to 12g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Black White
Secondary Colour
Grey
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Marsh Tits are found across much of Europe and parts of Asia, inhabiting deciduous and mixed woodlands with a well-developed understory. They prefer mature forests with oak, beech, and hornbeam trees.
In the UK, they are widely distributed in England and Wales but absent from Scotland and Ireland. Their range extends eastward through central Europe to western Russia and parts of central Asia.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,500 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Continental
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Marsh 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 Marsh Tit displays remarkable agility, often seen clinging to branches and twigs whilst foraging. Their ability to hang upside down and manoeuvre through dense woodland understory demonstrates high levels of nimbleness and dexterity.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small bird weighing only 9-12 grams, the Marsh Tit's strength is limited. However, they possess sufficient strength to excavate food caches in bark and carry seeds, which is impressive for their size.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Marsh Tits show good adaptability, evidenced by their varied diet and ability to cache food for future use. Their capacity to thrive in different woodland types and visit garden feeders also indicates adaptability, though their declining numbers in some areas suggest limitations.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Whilst not typically aggressive, Marsh Tits can be territorial during breeding season. They form small flocks with other tit species outside breeding season, suggesting a generally sociable nature. Their aggression is mainly defensive rather than offensive.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Marsh Tit's endurance is moderate. They are active foragers and can survive harsh winter conditions by relying on cached food. However, their small size limits their overall endurance, and their relatively short lifespan of 2-3 years suggests they may not be as hardy as some larger species.
Diet
Marsh Tits have a varied diet consisting of insects, spiders, seeds, and nuts. They forage actively among tree branches, often hanging upside down to probe for food in bark crevices. In winter, they rely more heavily on seeds, frequently visiting bird feeders in woodland gardens.
They frequently store food for later in the season hidden in caches, such as under the bark of a tree. The brain of this tiny bird has developed to such an extent that not only can the bird remember where each seed or titbit is secreted, but it can retrieve each food item in the order in which it was hidden, a truly remarkable feat!
Behaviour
Marsh Tits are agile and active birds, often seen clinging to branches and twigs while foraging. They are known for their habit of caching food and storing seeds and insects in bark crevices for later consumption.
These birds are generally social, forming small flocks with other tit species outside the breeding season.
Vocalisation
The Marsh Tit's call is a distinctive, loud 'pitchou' or 'pitchay', often repeated in quick succession. Their song is a simple, repetitive 'pitchu-pitchu-pitchu'.
During the breeding season, males produce a more varied song that includes whistles and trills, used to establish territory and attract mates.
Both male and female adults will sing, although normally limited to during courtship, where songs consist mainly of trilling and chattering sounds.
Nesting & Breeding
Marsh Tits form monogamous pairs and begin breeding in April. They typically nest in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes, occasionally using nest boxes.
The female constructs the nest using moss, hair, and plant fibres. She lays a clutch of 5-9 white eggs with reddish-brown speckles.
Incubation lasts about 13-15 days, performed solely by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 18-21 days but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern globally, Marsh Tit populations have declined in some parts of Europe, including the UK. Habitat loss and fragmentation due to changes in woodland management practices are the main threats.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable woodland habitats with a diverse understory.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Marsh Tits in deciduous and mixed woodlands, especially near water sources.
- Listen for their distinctive 'pitchou' call, which is louder and more explosive than that of the similar Willow Tit.
- Observe feeders in woodland gardens, where they often visit for seeds and nuts.
- Pay attention to the glossy black cap, which extends further down the nape than in Willow Tits.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Marsh Tits are preyed upon by various woodland predators, including Sparrowhawks, Tawny Owls, and domestic cats in areas close to human habitation.
Did You Know?
- Marsh Tits can remember the locations of their food caches for up to four weeks.
- Despite their name, they are not typically found in marshes but prefer drier woodland habitats.
- Marsh Tits can hybridise with Willow Tits in areas where their ranges overlap.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2017. Poecile palustris (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22735995A118837418.
View source - 3
report, 2015: EBCC
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