From Opus

Previously known as Parus montanus

Poecile montana

Photo by Pavlik

[edit] Identification

11.5cm. Sooty brown cap, buff under parts, rufous flanks, pale buff edgings to the secondaries form a light patch on the closed wing.

It is often confused with Marsh Tit but the pale panel on the secondaries is a good distinguishing feature when present. Also the Marsh Tit has a distinctive 'pish-ooo' call which Willow Tit lacks. Willow Tit's song is very nasal, as if it has a bad cold.

For a exhaustive discussion on the ID of Marsh and Willow Tits see this thread [[1]].

[edit] Distribution

Central Palearctic region.

[edit] Taxonomy

Polytypic. Consists of eleven subspecies.

[edit] Habitat

Mixed forests.

[edit] Behaviour

It excavates a nesting hole usually in a rotten stump or in a tree, lined with fur, hair and wood chips, but feathers are sometimes used. 6-9 eggs with reddish spots or blotches are laid.

The diet includes caterpillars, insects and seeds.

[edit] External Links