Eurasian Penduline Tit

Penduline Tit is also called the Tit remiz. However, it is not a true tit. Its name "pendulum" comes from its nest, which it hangs from the flexible branches of trees above the water.

EURASIAN PENDULINE TIT

Description

Slightly larger than a goldcrest, this bird has a broad black mask behind the eye; the female's mask, smaller in size, does not extend to the forehead. The back and underwings are cinnamon-colored, while the head and belly are gray or cream. The most distinctive features are the broad black band on the sides of the head and the ochre rump. The iris is a very dark brown. The thin, triangular bill is gray when viewed from the side.

Flight

Light flight, a little bouncy, climbs skillfully to the finest branches, hangs upside down from them.

Habitat

The Penduline Tit inhabits wooded and shrubby marshes, alder groves, overgrown ponds, and riverbanks; it is dependent on wetlands. It seeks out areas near water bordered by large trees, particularly those with flexible, drooping branches such as poplars and willows, for nesting.
Its geographical range extends from eastern to southeastern Europe. It is present in the Camargue region of France.

Regime - Diet

The Penduline Tit is primarily insectivorous. It feeds on insects and larvae, spiders, and caterpillars, especially when raising its young. During the colder months, it becomes granivorous and seeks out small seeds.

Nesting

During the warmer months, pairs choose a territory which they defend. The species is very faithful to its nesting site; the Reed Tit can be present in the same spot year after year. Pairs form in early spring, around the beginning of March. The male builds a rudimentary nest and then perches there, singing to attract a female. This bird is unique in that it builds a woven, pouch-shaped nest with a tunnel entrance, suspended and made of various fibers twisted around a fork at the end of a branch. This nest is a marvel of architecture. It is built by the male alone, while the female lines the inside with down.

The annual clutch consists of 5 to 8 white eggs. Incubation lasts twelve to fifteen days and is carried out by the female alone, who chases away the male. The male then attracts another female and builds a second nest. The female usually feeds the brood alone for about ten days. The altricial chicks fledge after 16 to 18 days.
Once the young are independent, the female can mate again and begin a second nesting in June or July.

Migration

This bird is a partial migrant. This titmouse wanders aimlessly outside the nesting season. It appears that migrations take place in autumn, leading birds from the north and east towards warmer regions.

Protection

The Penduline Tit is not currently threatened. The species is protected (Articles 1 and 5 of the decree of April 17, 1981, as amended), and listed in Appendix III of the Bern Convention.

Song

The song is a twittering of clear, sweet notes. The male also has a clear song, compared to a medley of Linnet and Goldfinch. The call is quite fine, drawn out, sometimes loud and sharp, sometimes soft and languid.

Species sheet