Bearded Tits much in evidence

Despite its name the Bearded Tit is not related to the familiar Blue and Great Tits that we see in our gardens. In fact, it is not entirely clear where it should be placed in terms of avian relatives. Previous studies had suggested that it should be regarded as a parrotbill but more recent work implies that its affinities are more closely linked to the larks. Of course, this matters little to the bird itself, nor to most birdwatchers. It shows a number of similarities to the tits in terms of appearance and it is certainly equally appealing. Interestingly, the latest revision to the English names ascribed to our birds has seen a reversion to a rather charming old name for the bird, namely Bearded Reedling. The male sports a rather handsome black ‘moustache’ and the species is associated with reedbeds so this could catch on. Certainly, it is a less contentious suggestion than some of those put forward for other birds – like Red-throated Loon (Red-throated Diver) and Mew Gull (Common Gull).

Two Bearded Reedlings have been seen on the local reserve over recent weeks, a rather welcome addition to a site on which they have never bred. Their appearance comes at a time of the year when, following a successful breeding season, many individuals undertake significant dispersive movements. Such movements are one reason why the species has been able to recover from a period when it looked as if it would be lost from Britain as a breeding species. During the winter of 1947, following loss of suitable breeding habitat, widespread persecution from egg collectors and a run of cold winters, there were thought to be fewer than five breeding pairs in the country – a single bird in Norfolk and 3-4 pairs at Minsmere.

Cold winters still have a big impact on the population but the combination of strong powers of dispersal and high levels of productivity help them bounce back rapidly. Not only do Bearded Reedlings compress their breeding attempts into an unusually short period, they often overlap successive attempts, enabling them to produce good numbers of chicks. The chicks leave the nest before they can fly and become independent at just 20-25 days of age.

With good numbers of these birds moving around the countryside, now is a good time to catch up with them. Sites with large reedbeds, such as in the Broads or along the North Norfolk coast, are well worth a visit. Although the cinnamon-brown colouration can make them difficult to spot they can be surprisingly approachable. Their characteristic pinging contact call often reveals their presence, as pairs or small parties work their way through a reedbed in search of food.