Hi Bazza! Yes, they do breed in Britain, although they are very localised and not common. A survey in 2002 recorded 504-559 pairs which was a 50% increase in 10 years! If you go to Minsmere in Suffolk (where these photos were taken) you would be unlucky if you didn't see at least one. The two names are for the same bird, the more 'common' is Bearded Tit, although the 'proper' name is Reedling as the bird is not actually a tit species, it is more closely related to the larks. J
Thanks Roy! They are seen around here, mostly in the winter months and not that often! Woodwalton Fen is a good place and Kings Dyke have had a few this year. J
This is a very exotic looking bird. Does it breed in the UK? (I am assuming that the two names are for the same bird NOT two lookalikes!)
ReplyDeleteHi Bazza! Yes, they do breed in Britain, although they are very localised and not common. A survey in 2002 recorded 504-559 pairs which was a 50% increase in 10 years! If you go to Minsmere in Suffolk (where these photos were taken) you would be unlucky if you didn't see at least one. The two names are for the same bird, the more 'common' is Bearded Tit, although the 'proper' name is Reedling as the bird is not actually a tit species, it is more closely related to the larks.
DeleteJ
What a sweet little bird!
ReplyDeleteA lovely little bird Liz, with a very obvious 'ping ping' call.
DeleteJ
Beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda!
DeleteJ
What a strikingly coloured bird! Great shots John.
ReplyDeleteThanks Liz!
DeleteJ
Whatever you want to call it, they are some superb shots John.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't mine seeing one, let alone photographing one.
Thanks Roy! They are seen around here, mostly in the winter months and not that often! Woodwalton Fen is a good place and Kings Dyke have had a few this year.
DeleteJ