Marsh Tit

Very similar to the Willow Tit, but slightly larger. For most of the year (except autumn), it differs from the Willow Tit in lacking a distinct pale wing panel on the folded wing and in having an obvious brownish tinge to the upperparts. In body shape, it somewhat resembles the Great Tit: it has a longer tail than the Willow Tit, a smaller head without an elongated nape, a black cap that extends only slightly onto the back, and a small throat patch that does not extend onto the breast. The white cheeks do not extend onto the back, as they do in the Willow Tit. The bill is shorter, thicker and more conical.

Sexual dimorphism is not pronounced. Juveniles differ from adults in having a dull brown cap. In fresh plumage, pale edges to the flight feathers may form a faint pale wing panel in both juveniles and adults; this feature is particularly pronounced in the eastern subspecies. Care should be taken to avoid confusing this species with the Willow Tit in autumn.

Contact identification features: the tail is slightly rounded, with the outermost rectrices 2–5 mm shorter than the longest ones; the hind claw is usually less than 7 mm long. Length 12–14 cm, wingspan 18–20 cm, weight 10–15 g.

A resident species. It inhabits deciduous and mixed forests, particularly favouring riparian and swampy woodlands. It nests in tree cavities of various origins but does not excavate them itself. Artificial nest boxes are rarely used. Cavities may be located high above the ground or close to ground level. The nest is built mainly of moss and animal hair, sometimes with lichens, feathers and other materials. Both members of the pair prepare the cavity, but only the female builds the nest.

The clutch consists of 5–10 eggs, usually 7–9. Only the female incubates, starting when the clutch is complete or 1–2 days before the last egg is laid; the male brings her food. The incubation period lasts 13–15 days. The chicks leave the nest at 16–21 days of age.

The diet consists of insects at all stages of development, some other invertebrates and seeds. A distinctive feature of this species is its preference for foraging on the trunks and branches of deciduous trees, especially dead standing trees. It also feeds on the ground.

Adults form permanent pairs and remain in the same area throughout their lives, moving only when suitable nesting cavities become scarce or when one of the pair dies. Juveniles leave the vicinity of their natal nest at about four weeks of age and then disperse. Another period of active juvenile dispersal occurs in autumn. In winter, the birds remain in their territories and live in pairs.