Willow Tit
NameWillow Tit
Common NameWillow Tit
Scientific NamePoecile montanus
FamilyParidae
Wingspan (cm)19
Length (cm)12
Weight (g)11.5
Plumage DetailsFeatures a dull, sooty black cap extending to the nape, a small black bib under the chin, and prominent white cheeks. The upperparts are grey-brown, while the underparts are whitish to pale buff, with greyish flanks. Wings and tail are dark grey with paler edges.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its distinctive, often mournful 'tsee-tsee-tsee' or 'chay-chay-chay' call, which is a key identifier. It also has a more complex song.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across the Palearctic region, from Western Europe through Siberia to East Asia. Its range includes much of Scandinavia, Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and parts of China and Japan.
Identifying FeaturesDull black cap extending to nape, Black bib, Prominent white cheeks, Lack of glossy cap (distinguishes from Marsh Tit), Lack of white wing panel, Distinctive mournful call
Description
The Willow Tit is a small, active passerine bird characterized by its dull black cap and bib, contrasting with prominent white cheeks. It typically forages in trees and shrubs, often in damp or boggy woodlands, feeding on insects and seeds.
