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ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

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  1. KnockerNorton

    Marsh or Willow Tit (Europe, determining)

    As a supporting feature, yes. But as a pointer only imo. If you were looking at that as a live bird, it would be changing angle every few secs and looking different each time. A study 10 years ago (Scott, 1999, Ringing & Migration) found wing panel to be something like 60% reliable in the hand...
  2. KnockerNorton

    Marsh or Willow Tit (Europe, determining)

    A very small % of Willow Tits (<5%) can show pale marks on bill. On around half of these, this is just one side and is caused by abrasion or a scuff, so you need to check both sides. Hence the bill thing is mainly a ringer's tool and is not much use for birders, unless you have a really good...
  3. KnockerNorton

    Marsh or Willow Tit (Europe, determining)

    yes, definite Willow Tit that one. I can see the pale thing on the bill, but it's unclear what it is - it might be a bit of debris or even light catching it. It can be hard on photos sometimes (although many marsh show up the pale marks very well). the cheek is also good for Willow on that one -...
  4. KnockerNorton

    Marsh or Willow Tit (Europe, determining)

    let us know if it works in Czech Republic!
  5. KnockerNorton

    Marsh or Willow Tit (Europe, determining)

    The bill feature is mentioned in Svensson's Identification of European Passerines as a small comment quoting De Wolf (1987)http://members.tripod.com/~parus/zz/parus.htm but this was not a thorough study and it had not been verified on a large sample so far. Nobody seemed to use it! However, it...
  6. KnockerNorton

    Marsh or Willow Tit (Europe, determining)

    It is often visible on photographs, even at some distance for Marsh Tit, as the pale mark can show well. But it is quite hard to see in the field with a telescope, as the bird moves too quickly. On Photographs, you must also be sure that the pale mark is not reflected light! In the field, the...
  7. KnockerNorton

    Marsh or Willow Tit (Europe, determining)

    For determining age, use the tail for both species. Tail feathers are pointed and narrow for juveniles, and rounded and broader for adults, as in many other passerines. Juvenile tails also often have growth bars, or are very worn. Adults tails are fresh for much longer. Also, juvenile Marsh Tit...
  8. KnockerNorton

    Marsh or Willow Tit (Europe, determining)

    There is a new method, using the bill. Marsh Tits have a pale mark on the bill, near the head, and pale cutting edges on the mandibles. Willow Tits have dark bills with no pale marks. This is very obvious in the hand, and 98% accurate for an unidentified bird of all ages and across British...
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