Penduline tits · Perching birds
Eurasian Penduline-Tit
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Remiz pendulinus
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Voice
Call
Call
How to recognize it
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10–11 cm long
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Grey head with a black mask through the eye; mask absent in juveniles
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Chestnut-brown back
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Thin whistle, "tsee-tsee"
About the species
Its head is pale grey, set off by a black band through the eye, while the back is warm chestnut brown. The Eurasian Penduline-Tit has a fine, pointed bill and a long tail that extends beyond its rounded head. Males have a broader mask and redder backs; juveniles lack the black mask.
A thin, high whistle sounds like “tsii-tsii.” It searches trees, shrubs and reeds for food, and may cling to a reed with one foot while pulling seeds from its head with the other. Both sexes help make a hanging pouch nest from plant fibres, grass, hair and wool, often suspending it from a slender branch over water.
Along river, lake and marsh edges, it works among trees and reeds, taking insects, spiders and seeds. Those from northern parts of the range migrate south for winter, while those in the south may stay year-round.
Where to find
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Along overgrown river, lake and marsh shores, look for the Eurasian Penduline-Tit searching trees and shrubs for insects and spiders.
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In reed beds, watch it cling to a stem and pull seeds from the seed head, or pick insects from the stem.
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During the breeding season, check thin branches over water and reed stems for a hanging pouch nest made of plant fibres.
