A rare willow tit, facing extinction, was spotted near the River Wye, offering hope for its survival in the UK.
Since the 1970s, their numbers have fallen fast. In 2022, they were put on the red list. This means they face extinction risk. The bird has vanished from some areas. This is especially true in southern and eastern Britain.
Habitat loss likely causes their decline. Other tit species compete with them. Predators also put pressure on them.
Michael Dimmick saw this rare bird. He spotted it near the River Wye. He’s a member of a photo club. The RSPB helps identify the bird. Look for a large, black cap. It covers its head and neck. They also have a small black bib.
They’re brown on top, with white cheeks. Their undersides are pale buff-grey. The bird’s wings spread 17 to 19 cm. They weigh between 8 and 14 grams. They like wet woods and gravel pits.
Willow tits eat insects mostly. They also eat berries and seeds. This happens when food is scarce in winter.
They dig nest holes in rotten wood. This sets them apart from other tits. Females lay six to eight eggs. The bird digs its own nest holes. They use willow and birch wood. Wood chips form the nest’s base.