Scientific name: Parus montanus Conrad von Baldenstein 1827
Bird group: Tits and allies
Field characters. 11.5 cm. Apart from voice hard to distinguish from Marsh Tit. Crown, neck and chin black, upperparts brown or grey-brown, cheeks white, underparts white with buff flanks. Differs from Marsh Tit in voice, light wing panel (formed by light edges on primaries), dull black crown (glossy in Marsh Tit), and slightly larger bib. Feathering of body sometimes more 'fluffy', less neat than Marsh Tit. Immatures hard to separate. In winter often found in roving tit flocks. Habitually makes its own nesthole.
Voice. Thin 'siesiesie' and very characteristic nasal 'pèèh pèèh pèèh'. Song, seldom heard, a Garden Warbler-like warble and, more commonly, a Wood Warbler-like 'pjuu pjuu pjuu'.
Distribution. Rather common resident, often local.
Habitat. A variety of habitats, but with a clear preference for moist habitats with rotting wood. In winter more often found away from woods than Marsh Tit, in hedges, bushes, copses, etc.
Food. Mainly invertebrates, but also takes seeds and berries.