Bird of the week - Willow tit

Willow tits (Poecile montanus) are difficult to distinguish from marsh tits unless you hear them call or sing.  Their population is in decline and they are red listed, yet I see them on most visits to Prestwick Carr, Big Waters or Far Pasture.

These data from the BTO confirm the population decline over the past 40 years.

Data from the Bird Atlas confirm the willow tit's restricted range.  This is the winter distribution

and this is the breeding range.

Watch the BTO video on how to tell willow tit from marsh tit here.  Read more about willow tits from the BTO here or on BTO BirdTrends here or BTO BirdFacts here.  Listen to the BBC Tweet of the Day on willow tits here.