1-3-2022 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - EURASIAN PENDULINE TIT (MALE) (Remiz pendulinus)

The Eurasian penduline tit or European penduline tit (Remiz pendulinus) is a passerine bird of the genus Remiz. It is relatively widespread throughout the western Palearctic. It is migratory in the northern part of its range but resident in the southern part.

The breeding range in Western Europe experienced an expansion during the 1980s and 1990s. This was accompanied by an expansion of the species’ winter range and reached as far south as northern Morocco.

It builds an elaborate hanging nest, formerly used in Central Europe as children's slippers.

The Eurasian penduline tit usually eats insects and spiders but will also eat seeds such as those from the willow (Salix). It generally searches for food in trees but will also forage in reeds where it will take insects from the stem as well as the seed head. It uses one foot to cling to the reed and the other to pull out clumps of seeds from the head.

2-5-2017 CORDOBA, ANDALUSIA - EURASIAN PENDULINE TIT (MALE) (Remiz pendulinus)

The Eurasian penduline tit, Remiz pendulinus, is a diminutive passerine, a member of the Remizidae family. It is adorned with a light grey head, a distinctive black "mask" through the eye, and a back of rich chestnut brown. Both sexes are remarkably similar, though the male boasts a broader mask and a more rufous back. This bird measures between 10 and 11.5 centimeters in length, with a finely pointed bill and a tail that is relatively elongated.

When attempting to identify the Eurasian penduline tit, look for its small size, the pointed bill, and the long tail. The male's mask is broader and the back more rufous compared to the female. The bird's light grey head and black eye mask are key distinguishing features.

The Eurasian penduline tit is known to favor habitats with thin, long branches of trees such as willow, elm, or birch, often choosing locations above water. It is also found in reed beds, where it may construct its unique nests.

This species is relatively widespread across the western Palearctic. It exhibits migratory behavior in the northern parts of its range, while populations in the southern regions tend to be resident.