Willow or Marsh Tit

[Ollie]

Hi all
I realise this question has been asked many times before but I still find it extremely difficult to tell the difference between the Marsh and Willow Tits.

If it was on my local patch I would definitely have said Willow as Marsh Tits haven't been seen there but this was in an area where both species are frequently seen.

I'm saying Willow but it's more of a guess than anything else.

Please click the photo twice to see the best detail.

Thanks in advance.

[Chris Hawes]

I'll go for Marsh Tit - with about 51% certainty!

[RobinP]

Yes my first thought was Marsh Tit, maybe a young bird, 52% certainty

[Jonners]

Definitely a Willarsh Tit

[Ollie]

Well I'm pleased to see that I'm not the only one who isn't sure on this one

[Goatboy]

Quite a sleek appearance (rather than dumpy) and is that a bit of white on the base of the bill?

I'm tempted to go for Marsh Tit if anything and somebody will be along to prove me wrong any minute....

[aeshna5]

Without hearing the call- which I think is the best way of distinguishing them-I think these 2 species can be the most difficult of UK birds to tell apart. I would go with Marsh Tit too as it lacks the bull headed appearance + lack of pale wing panel which would suggest Marsh to me.

[SandyBeds]

My first thought was Marsh

[jaykay]

these two always confuse me also, but great photo

[Jason Claxton]

I thinkits a Marsh,its the lack of a pale panel on the secondaries that makes me thinkit is one .Jason