Marsh & Willow Tits

An article in the latest issue of British Birds examines the identification of Marsh and Willow Tits. It finds that some of the established separation criteria are less reliable than thought due to large degrees of overlap and the differences seen in juvenile plumage (cap colour and gloss, cap shape, bib shape, lower mandible colour). However, it finds that cheek pattern and colour and the colour at the base of the upper mandible are both helpful. Of course various biometrics still help in the hand too. Have a look at the pic below.

Pete
PS In case any of you were wondering - I've looked at the pics of that bird we caught at HPP a couple of years ago and we were right - it was definitely a Marsh Tit!