ExploreBirds

Willow Tit

Poecile montanus

The Willow Tit is a small, cheerful bird that loves to flit around trees and bushes. With its fluffy black cap and soft brown feathers, it can be a bit tricky to spot, but it's always busy looking for food!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Willow Tit is a plump, grey-brown bird with a distinctive dull black cap that extends to its nape. It has pale buffish flanks and a small black bib, which helps differentiate it from the very similar Marsh Tit.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyParidaeGenusPoecile
Willow Tit
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Willow Tit

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

A Willow Tit's brain grows bigger in winter to help remember all its hidden food!

During winter, Willow Tits often join up with other bird species in mixed flocks!

Spotting a Willow Tit can be tough; they look almost identical to Marsh Tits!

Willow Tits are one of the only birds that actually excavate their own nest holes!

Special abilities

Ability

Nest Excavator

Willow Tits can carve their own nests into soft, rotting wood because their strong beaks help them create cozy homes for their chicks.

Ability

Memory Master

Willow Tits have an amazing memory that helps them recall hundreds of hidden food items, ensuring snacks are always available.

Ability

Cold Conqueror

Willow Tits can survive chilly winters because they fluff up their feathers to trap warm air close to their bodies.

Ability

Stealthy Seeker

Willow Tits can move quietly through dense thickets because their small size and soft feathers help them sneak up on insects.

Measurements & details

Length
11.5-13 cm
Wingspan
17-20 cm
Weight
0.009-0.014 kg
Lifespan
2-9 years
Top Speed
35 km/h
Clutch Size
6-9
Incubation
13-15 days

Diet & Feeding

They mostly eat tiny insects and spiders in summer, switching to seeds and berries when it's colder.

Age differences: Young birds mostly eat insects for growth; adults adapt to seasonal food availability.

Primary Foods

  • Insects
  • Spiders
  • Pine seeds
  • Birch seeds
  • Berries

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and be quiet so you don't scare them away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Willow Tit?

11.5-13 cm

What is Willow Tit's wingspan?

17-20 cm

How much does Willow Tit weigh?

0.009-0.014 kg

How long does Willow Tit live?

2-9 years

How fast can Willow Tit move?

35 km/h

What does Willow Tit eat?

They mostly eat tiny insects and spiders in summer, switching to seeds and berries when it's colder.

Where is Willow Tit usually found?

Forests

How does Willow Tit hunt?

Foraging

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