I know, I know...
Opinions please on this bird, seen in a known area for Willow Tit (but also Marsh Tit). It was not heard to call
The Nov 2009 BB article Separation of Willow Tit and Marsh Tit in Britain: a review concluded that "bill marks offer the most objective and reliable visual means of separation."
"Broughton et al. (2008a) found a significant difference in markings on the bill, but not as previously described: both species displayed pale cutting edges to the lower mandible, but 97% of Marsh Tits showed a pale mark on the upper mandible, on the bill sides below the nostril, which was lacking on 96% of Willow Tits. This characteristic mark appears to be the single most reliable and objective physical feature for separating Marsh Tits and Willow Tits, although it may be very difficult to see in the field. It is often readily apparent in photographs, however, although note that reflected light may obscure or mimic the feature"
This bird appears to show a thin pale edge to the cutting edge of both mandibles but lacks the characteristic white mark on the upper mandible that would make this an obvious MT. The head is not as bull-necked as I would expect for WT but the upright angle of the bird in the photos may be responsible for this. The cheek is extensive and not divided into two distinct white and coloured areas. Not shown, the tertials also show some but not extensive pale edging that contrast with the darker mantle
Your thoughts please! Thx
Huds
Opinions please on this bird, seen in a known area for Willow Tit (but also Marsh Tit). It was not heard to call
The Nov 2009 BB article Separation of Willow Tit and Marsh Tit in Britain: a review concluded that "bill marks offer the most objective and reliable visual means of separation."
"Broughton et al. (2008a) found a significant difference in markings on the bill, but not as previously described: both species displayed pale cutting edges to the lower mandible, but 97% of Marsh Tits showed a pale mark on the upper mandible, on the bill sides below the nostril, which was lacking on 96% of Willow Tits. This characteristic mark appears to be the single most reliable and objective physical feature for separating Marsh Tits and Willow Tits, although it may be very difficult to see in the field. It is often readily apparent in photographs, however, although note that reflected light may obscure or mimic the feature"
This bird appears to show a thin pale edge to the cutting edge of both mandibles but lacks the characteristic white mark on the upper mandible that would make this an obvious MT. The head is not as bull-necked as I would expect for WT but the upright angle of the bird in the photos may be responsible for this. The cheek is extensive and not divided into two distinct white and coloured areas. Not shown, the tertials also show some but not extensive pale edging that contrast with the darker mantle
Your thoughts please! Thx
Huds
