One Planet News: A declining bird species gets a helping hand
Willow Tit numbers have been in rapid decline
By Annette J Beveridge
A tiny bird with its rounded body and sooty black cap may be a beautiful addition to the countryside but it is also Britain’s fastest-declining resident bird.
Associated with wet woodland and willow carr, willow tits favour wetlands, bogs and gravel pits. They can be located across England, Wales and Southern Scotland.
The willow tit is black, pale brown and white. Notice the pale panel on its wings and the dark-black cap and bib. These are small birds approximately 12cm in length. They have a 19cm wingspan and live on average for 3 years.
They are often mistaken for marsh tits and identification is easier through its song.
Willow tits predate mostly on insects but will take berries and seeds, especially in winter when insects are scarce. With its small bill, which acts like a chisel, the willow tit will carve out nest holes in decaying wood.
During the breeding season, the female lays between six and eight eggs.
The range size of willow tits has reduced and in many parts of southern and eastern Britain, the birds are now extinct. The deterioration of habitat is considered a primary reason for the changes but the willow tit is also susceptible to predation as well as competition from other tit species.
Willow tits have been classified as red under the Birds of Conservation Concern since 2022.
The British Trust for Ornithology stated that the number of these birds has declined substantially since the 1970s.
What is being done?
Natural England and its partners are working in partnership with the University of Exeter and Cornwall Birds to reverse the decline of the species which is now perilously close to extinction.
Goss Moor National Nature Reserve in Mid-Cornwall has become the focal point for saving this species.
A targeted survey which took place led to the conclusion that the River Camel population has now been lost. Sadly, many formerly occupied patches are now also devoid of willow tits.
Strongholds exist in mid-Cornwall being the SSSIs of Goss Moor and Helman Tor.
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Modelling has provided habitat management recommendations for Goss Moor with a sensitive approach to the site's incredible biodiversity which includes dormice, rare vascular plants, and the marsh fritillary butterfly.
Through this evidence, funding has been unlocked and now reserve manager, Ian Moye, can make crucial changes that will enhance the habitat for willow tits and many other species too.
Specific efforts include increasing the age diversity of vegetation.
Open areas where scrub is allowed to regenerate will help but to also ensure the availability of old dead wood as this is suitable for nesting.