Despite being a scarce species in the UK, Bearded Tits are a conservation success story. Thanks to our members and supporters, reedbeds around all four UK countries have been restored – and many of the species that depend on them are now thriving.
In reedbeds from East Anglia to the River Tay.
You might hear them referred to as ‘Reedlings’ because calling them Bearded Tits is a misnomer; they’re neither a tit nor bearded. They don’t have any close relatives either and sit in a family group on their own instead. The males’ dark facial plumage, from which it gets its name, looks more like dramatic eyeliner or a well-waxed moustache than a beard!
Their pinging contact call helps to them to keep in touch with the rest of their party in the dense vegetation. This species is present year-round in our reedbeds, thanks to a nifty trick where they can change their diet from insects to seeds.
These birds are easier to spot in autumn, when they swap their usual skulking antics for excitable group flights. We’re still not entirely sure why this behaviour happens, but it tends to occur after a successful breeding season, ahead of birds preparing to seek out their own patch.
Head outside and discover fascinating birds each month. Read on for top ID tips, what to listen for, and where to see them.
