Crested Tit vs Marsh Tit - Birdbuddy WIKI

Crested Tit

Lophophanes cristatus

Also known as: Crested Tit

How to recognise a crested tit?

General appearance

The crested tit, or Lophophanes cristatus, is recognized by its black and white striped head and distinctive erect crest. It has a predominantly grey back and wings, with buff-white underparts. It's a small bird, averaging at around 12cm in length.

Male vs female

Males and females are near-identical in appearance, making it challenging to differentiate between the two. Both have the signature crest, which males may display more prominently during courtship or to show dominance. However, there is no discernible size or coloration difference between the sexes.

Juvenile

Juvenile crested tits are similar in appearance to adults, but with a shorter crest and slightly duller coloration. Their coat may lighten in color as they progress to adulthood, and the distinctive crest may become more pronounced.

Size

4.3 - 4.7 in/0.4 - 0.6 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The crested tit primarily inhabits coniferous forests, specifically those dominated by Scot’s Pines, in northern Europe.

Additional range

Unexpectedly, crested tits can also be found in deciduous woodlands and gardens, particularly during harsh winters.

Range Map

What do crested tits like to eat?

Natural diet

The crested tit primarily feeds on insects and spiders during warmer months, utilizing its agile movements to hunt these protein-rich sources in forest canopies. This diet is supplemented by seeds from coniferous trees, especially those of Scots pine, and other native seeds, providing essential nutrients throughout the year.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, the crested tit commonly consumes peanuts, sunflower seeds, and suet. These high-energy foods help sustain its active lifestyle, especially during winter months when natural food sources are scarcer. The tit is known to visit feeding stations regularly, making it a favored guest among bird enthusiasts.

What does a crested tit sound like?

The crested tit predominantly produces two types of vocalizations: calls and songs. Its calls are generally described as a distinct hard 'tcherrr', which is often delivered in alarm situations. The song of the crested tit is a distinctive rapidly repeated 'si-si-si-pirri-pirri-pirri'. This song is utilized during breeding season for territorial defense and attracting mates. The pitch of their vocalizations is generally high, matching their small stature.

Call

Audio by Bram Piot

/ CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Song

Audio by Joost van Bruggen

/ CC BY-SA 4.0

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Marsh Tit

Poecile palustris

How to recognise a marsh tit?

General appearance

Marsh tits have distinctive black caps on their heads, glossy blue-black upperparts, and whitish underparts. They measure 10-12 cm in length. Their beaks are small and sharp, designed for feeding on seeds and insects. Their feather coloration may become more muted in the winter to blend in with their surroundings.

Male vs female

Male and female marsh tits are very similar in appearance, with no significant sexual dimorphism. They both share the same coloration and shape. The size may differ slightly, with males being marginally larger, but this difference is barely noticeable unless observed up close.

Juvenile

Juvenile marsh tits resemble adults but initially have a duller black cap and their white underparts are tinged with yellow. As they mature, their coloration becomes brighter and more defined, and they eventually lose the yellow hue under their belly.

Size

4.3 - 4.7 in/0.3 - 0.5 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The marsh tit primarily inhabits deciduous and mixed forests, favoring dense understory for nesting and foraging.

Additional range

It is found across Europe and parts of Asia, preferring temperate climates and occasionally occupying hedgerows, parks, and gardens.

Range Map

What do marsh tits like to eat?

Natural diet

The marsh tit's natural diet primarily consists of a variety of insects and their larvae, including caterpillars, beetles, and aphids. It also consumes spiders, which provide essential protein. During autumn and winter, when insects are less abundant, marsh tits turn to plant-based foods like seeds and nuts. They are known to eat seeds from alder, birch, and hazel trees. Additionally, marsh tits forage on berries and fruit when available, taking advantage of seasonal variations to maintain a balanced diet.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, marsh tits commonly consume sunflower seeds and peanuts. They are adept at extracting seeds from the shells, which makes sunflower seeds particularly favored. Marsh tits also feed on suet blocks and fat balls, which provide high-energy resources during colder months. Occasionally, they will consume mealworms offered at feeders, supplementing their protein intake. Their visits to feeders enhance their chances of survival through harsher seasons by providing a consistent and accessible food source.

What does a marsh tit sound like?

The marsh tit emits distinct short and sharp "pitchoo" or "pitchep" calls, often repeated and interspersed with squeaky "chee" sounds. It also produces a soft, sweet, warbling song typically composed of trills and high notes. Its vocalizations are essential for communication, territorial declarations, and mating. The song pattern may vary slightly among individual birds and regions.

Call

Audio by Bram Piot

/ CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

Song

Audio by Vladimir Yu. Arkhipov, Arkhivov

/ CC BY-SA 3.0

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Crested Tit

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Marsh Tit

Crested Tit

Lophophanes cristatus

Also known as: Crested Tit

General appearance

The crested tit, or Lophophanes cristatus, is recognized by its black and white striped head and distinctive erect crest. It has a predominantly grey back and wings, with buff-white underparts. It's a small bird, averaging at around 12cm in length.

Male vs female

Males and females are near-identical in appearance, making it challenging to differentiate between the two. Both have the signature crest, which males may display more prominently during courtship or to show dominance. However, there is no discernible size or coloration difference between the sexes.

Juvenile

Juvenile crested tits are similar in appearance to adults, but with a shorter crest and slightly duller coloration. Their coat may lighten in color as they progress to adulthood, and the distinctive crest may become more pronounced.

Size

4.3 - 4.7 in/0.4 - 0.6 oz

There's more to learn about Crested Tit

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Marsh Tit

Poecile palustris

General appearance

Marsh tits have distinctive black caps on their heads, glossy blue-black upperparts, and whitish underparts. They measure 10-12 cm in length. Their beaks are small and sharp, designed for feeding on seeds and insects. Their feather coloration may become more muted in the winter to blend in with their surroundings.

Male vs female

Male and female marsh tits are very similar in appearance, with no significant sexual dimorphism. They both share the same coloration and shape. The size may differ slightly, with males being marginally larger, but this difference is barely noticeable unless observed up close.

Juvenile

Juvenile marsh tits resemble adults but initially have a duller black cap and their white underparts are tinged with yellow. As they mature, their coloration becomes brighter and more defined, and they eventually lose the yellow hue under their belly.

Size

4.3 - 4.7 in/0.3 - 0.5 oz

There's more to learn about Marsh Tit

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How to tell the Crested Tit from the Marsh Tit

Visual differences

The Crested Tit (4.3-4.7 inches) features a distinctive black and white striped head with an erect crest and primarily grey back, whereas the Marsh Tit (3.9-4.7 inches) has a black cap and glossy blue-black upperparts. Crested Tits showcase buff-white underparts, while Marsh Tits have whitish underparts. The Crested Tit’s crown is its key feature, contrasting the Marsh Tit’s black cap. Both birds have similar sizes, but differ mainly in their distinctive head markings and upperpart coloration.

Key differences and behavior

Crested Tits (Lophophanes cristatus) are hyperactive and social, frequenting coniferous forests, notably those with Scots Pines. They perform acrobatics during feeding and cache food like pine seeds and moth larvae. In contrast, Marsh Tits (Poecile palustris), misnamed for their habitat, favor deciduous and mixed forests with dense understories. They bond monogamously with mutual preening. While both species consume insects, Crested Tits also gather conifer seeds throughout the year. Both nest in cavities, but Marsh Tits often use old woodpecker holes. Crested Tits engage in vibrant courtship displays, while Marsh Tits are more about subtle calls and displays. At feeders, both enjoy sunflower seeds and peanuts but remain distinct in behavioral tendencies and habitat preferences. Both birds are roughly 4-4.7 inches in length.