The separation of Marsh and Willow Tits poses one of the greatest ID challenges in the avian world. A recent scientific paper has suggested that a reliable factor is that Marsh Tits are very likely to have a white spot on the upper mandible and Willow Tits are not. The white spot is difficult to see unless you have a close up photograph and is visible on this bird in a blown up version of the image. In addition, a number of birding expert friends agreed with its identity as a Marsh Tit.
Country: UK
Location: Yarner Woods, Devon
Family: Tits, Chickadees (Paridae)
Species: Marsh Tit (Poecile palustris)
Date taken: 08/05/2014