
Marsh Tit
(Poecile palustrus)
Appearance
If you’re struggling to tell the difference between a Marsh tit and a Willow tit, you’re not alone. Ornithologists didn’t actually realise they were two different species until 1897. Before this, only Marsh tits were officially recognised, with Willow tits being a late classification. Along with its glossy cap, Marsh tits have plain brown wings, with less contrast. On the contrary, if the tit you’re identifying has pale fringes on the secondary feathers visible on its closed wing, they would indicate a Willow tit.

The Marsh tit
Habitat and Nesting
Voice
A sneeze like song, with a series of high putch repeating notes, it might best be described as a “pitchoo” sound.
Diet
Marsh tits are more likely to appear on feeders in colder months, when food in nature is scarce. In summer they tend to mainly choose insects and spiders though have still been known to visit gardens. Put out an insect rich seed mix such as High Energy Robin Insect Mix to attract a range of birds, including our glossy capped friend the Marsh tit.
I looked up a bird in my book that looked similar. I thought it was a black cap. There was also a female with it with a brown cap.
brown cap = a black cap female
We’re struggling to identify whether we have marsh or willow tits. They come to feeders in the back and front garden. They are about the size of a blue tit but much more dapper. They do not sing at the feeders unfortunately. BTO suggest a pale patch on the base of the upper beak suggests a Marsh tit but I have not yet got a clear view. Black caps are bigger if that helps.
I used to get both species in my garden , I live on the edge of the village there is the forest park with lakes at the back of the houses so they should both should be present ,but I haven’t seen either for about 5 years ,I used to get reed buntings in good numbers but now only in ones & 2 s ,I get sparrow hawks a lot ,so the sparrows I had have now decamped & their nest boxes are empty ,its quite worrying .