Marsh tit

Marsh tits are very nice to have around bird tables. They will sweep around right above the ground uninterruptedly, pleasantly chattering and completely unafraid. They may settle on the table as you fill it up with seeds. However, they are much less pleasant if someone approaches a nesting box they have decided to occupy. Intruders, be they cats or humans, will get their ears warmed. If you meet a couple of marsh tits, because you will often come upon them in pairs, you are most certainly on their”home turf”. The marsh tit is very fond of its home and will stay in the same area its entire life.

Appearance

A small tit that looks like the willow tit but is most easily distinguished by the black cap and the black spot on its chin which is considerably smaller.

Similar bird

Very like the Willow tit, a twin tit, but with a smoother brown wing and different sounds.

Sounds and song

The call of the marsh tit is explosive and will be heard by both partners in couples.

Song

Contact Call

Food and bird tables

Common guest at the bird table.
The marsh tit lives off insects, as well seeds from herbs and grass.

The nest and hollows

This is a bird that likes to keep to its own territory all year round. Will breed and nest in hollows. The marsh tit makes its nest out of moss with a bundle of tufts of hair and feathers. In May the female lays seven to nine eggs that she broods on for 17 days. After another 17 days the hatchlings are ready to leave the nest.

Distribution

Summer  Resident  Winter