Unknown Tit - Queyras (Hautes-Alps, France) (1 Viewer)

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Frank-birding

Frank van de Velde

Supporter

• Aug 14, 2020

• #1

A couple of days ago (5th of August 2020) I saw this tit in the French Alps (Queyras, Hautes-Alps) in a coniferous forest at an altitude of approximately 2100m (7000ft).

Willow Tit seems by far the most likely candidate (as I heard and saw many). Its elongated shape, small head, quite large bib and somewhat substantial bill make me doubt a bit however.


By, Frank

 

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Andy Adcock

Worst person on Birdforum

• Aug 14, 2020

• #2

Complete absence of a pale wing panel is slightly atypical for WT and extent of the bib is isn't like either that or Marsh?

 

Last edited: Aug 14, 2020

KenM

Well-known member

• Aug 14, 2020

• #3

It's a sombre ''looking'' Poecile if you ask me. :eek!:

 

F

Frank-birding

Frank van de Velde

Supporter

• Aug 15, 2020

• #4

So a Poecile Montanus / - Palustris that is a Lugubris lookalike? Lugubris crossed my mind indeed, but would be far outside its range and the wedge-shape of the white cheek isn’t really that pronounced. Hm. So, probably either Marsh or Willow as Andy said?

Thank you both! Frank

 

Last edited: Aug 15, 2020

Deb Burhinus

Used to be well known! 😎

• Aug 15, 2020

• #5

andyadcock said:

Complete absence of a pale wing panel is slightly atypical for WT and extent of the bib is isn't like either that or Marsh?

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The ‘wing panel’ feature isn’t reliable (ringing data shows there’s overlap with all these features). Afair, it’s missing in juvenile Willow Tits altogether.

 

Andy Adcock

Worst person on Birdforum

• Aug 15, 2020

• #6

Deb Burhinus said:

The ‘wing panel’ feature isn’t reliable (ringing data shows there’s overlap with all these features). Afair, it’s missing in juvenile Willow Tits altogether.

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That's why I said 'slightly' atypical Deb.

 

T

THE_FERN

Well-known member

Opus Editor

• Aug 15, 2020

• #7

Out of marsh and willow, no bill spot, dullness and shape of cap, large diffuse bib, white rear "cheek" (CF brownish) suggest willow to me

 

Richard Prior

Halfway up an Alp

• Aug 15, 2020

• #8

THE_FERN said:

Out of marsh and willow, no bill spot, dullness and shape of cap, large diffuse bib, white rear "cheek" (CF brownish) suggest willow to me

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Willow Tit indeed for the reasons you give, and at 2100m altitude it’s a bit high for Marsh!

 

F

Frank-birding

Frank van de Velde

Supporter

• Aug 16, 2020

• #9

Thank you for the ID-help. And along the way I learned more on Marsh and Willow. Much appreciated!

Bye, Frank