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The Willow Tit is almost indinquihsable from the Marsh Tit, the main difference being a sooty brown instead of a glossy blue black cap, because of this it was not recognised as a breeding bird in Great Britain until the end of the 19th century, despite being widespread. It is between blue and great tits in size, and has a large sooty-black cap extending to the back of the neck and a small untidy black bib. It is mid-brown above, with whiter cheeks and pale buff-grey underparts. Its wings show a pale panel not found in marsh tits. Its recent population declines make it a Red List species. Willow Tits are mainly in England and Wales, with some in South Scotland. Willow tits are often, but by no means exclusively, found in willow thickets in damp places, such as the edge of lowland peat bogs, marshes, and around gravel pits.
The Willow Tit often excavates its own nesting hole, even piercing hard bark; this is usually in a rotten stump or in a tree, more or less decayed. Most nests examined are cups of felted material, such as fur, hair and wood chips, but feathers are sometimes used. The number of eggs varies from six to nine, with reddish spots or blotches.
Egg Size16x12 mm
Maximum Recorded Age10 years, 4 months
Typical Lifespan3 years
Age at First Breeding1 year
First clutches laidLate April
Fledging17-20 days
Incubation13-15 days
Clutch Size6-7 eggs
Egg Weight1.3 g
Number of broods1
First Record1897
HabitatForest, woodland, often near water
Weight 12g
Wingspan19 cm
Length12 cm
Status in UKResident Breeder
Conservation Status UKRed (Recent decline)
Number in Britain17,000
£17.86
£9.99
