Willow Tit
Least ConcernPoecile montanus
Visual Identification
Willow Tit
Appearance
The Willow Tit is a small, compact bird with a distinctive dull black cap and bib. Its upperparts are greyish-brown, while the underparts are pale buff to whitish. The cheeks are white, creating a contrast with the dark cap.
Both sexes look alike, with juveniles resembling adults but showing slightly duller plumage. The Willow Tit maintains its appearance year-round, with no seasonal plumage changes.
Size
Length
11cm to 12cm
Wingspan
17cm to 19cm
Weight
9g to 14g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Black White
Secondary Colour
Grey Buff
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Willow Tits inhabit damp deciduous and mixed woodlands, with a preference for areas with willows, alders, and birches. They are found across northern and central Europe and Asia, extending into Siberia.
In the UK, they are more common in northern and western regions, becoming scarcer in the south and east. Their distribution remains relatively stable throughout the year, as they are non-migratory.
Elevation Range
Up to 4,275 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Willow Tits primarily feed on insects and spiders during the breeding season, switching to seeds and berries in autumn and winter. Crane flies are among the most commonly eaten insect prey.
They are known to cache food, storing seeds in bark crevices and among lichens for later consumption, a behaviour crucial for winter survival. They'll occasionally visit garden feeders in winter.
Behaviour
Willow Tits are known for their acrobatic foraging, often hanging upside down to reach food on thin branches. They are generally sedentary and territorial, maintaining their breeding territories throughout the year.
These birds are typically seen in pairs or small family groups, especially outside the breeding season.
Vocalisation
The Willow Tit's call is a distinctive, nasal 'zee-zee-zee' or 'tchay-tchay-tchay', often described as more wheezy than other tit species. Their song is a simple, repeated 'tiu-tiu-tiu' phrase, typically delivered from a high perch during the breeding season.
Another frequently heard call repeats an ‘ipsee, ipsee’ sound several times in quick succession.
Nesting & Breeding
Willow Tits form monogamous pairs and begin breeding in late April or early May. They are unique among tits for excavating their own nest cavities in soft, rotting wood, often in stumps or dead trees. Both sexes drill out the hollow. Then, the pair carries the chippings a short distance away in an attempt to detract attention from the nest site.
The female typically lays 6-9 white eggs with reddish-brown speckles. The nest is lined with soft materials such as fur, feathers, and plant down.
Incubation lasts about 13-15 days, performed solely by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after 18-21 days but continue to receive parental care for several weeks after leaving the nest.
Lifespan
The Willow Tit typically lives for 2 to 3 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 11.3 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While globally listed as Least Concern, Willow Tit populations have declined significantly in some regions, particularly in the UK. Habitat loss and fragmentation are primary threats.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving and restoring suitable woodland habitats, especially those with decaying wood for nesting.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Willow Tits in damp woodlands and willow thickets
- Listen for their nasal 'zee-zee-zee' call, which is distinctive from other tits
- Observe their behaviour at bird feeders, which they often visit in winter
- In the UK, pay attention to subtle differences from the similar Marsh Tit, such as the Willow Tit's duller cap and pale wing panel
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Brown-capped Tit
Family:
ParidaePredators
Main predators of Willow Tits include sparrowhawks, small owls, and mammals such as pine martens and weasels. Nest predation by woodpeckers and squirrels can also occur.
Did You Know?
- Willow Tits have an excellent spatial memory, remembering the locations of hundreds of food caches.
- They are one of the few British birds that excavate their own nest cavities.
- In some areas, Willow Tits form mixed-species flocks with other tits during winter.
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References
- 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Poecile montanus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T155139697A155139155.
View source - 4
report, 2018: EBCC
- 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source