Marsh Tit Bird Facts (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

The Marsh Tit can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Marsh Tit can be found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Marsh Tit is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Marsh Tit is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Marsh Tit is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Marsh Tit is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Marsh Tit is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Marsh Tit is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Marsh Tit is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Marsh Tit is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Marsh Tit is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Marsh Tit is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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

Resident

Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Afghanistan Albania Andorra Austria Belarus Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria China Croatia Czech Republic Denmark Estonia France Germany Greece Hungary Italy Japan Kazakhstan Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Moldova Mongolia Montenegro Netherlands North Korea Norway Poland Romania Russia Serbia Slovakia Slovenia South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland The United Kingdom Turkey Ukraine

Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range

Finland Ireland Portugal

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird 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 85

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 30

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 75

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 40

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 60

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

Least Concern ^[1]

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.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

10,600,000 - 20,900,000 mature individuals ^[2]

Global Population Trend

^[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

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

Other names:

European Marsh Tit

Family:

Paridae

Average Lifespan

2 to 3 years

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.