Bearded reedling, or bearded tit
The bearded reedling, also known as the bearded tit, is a small bird native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia. Typically measuring between 5 to 7 inches in length and weighing around ½ to ¾ ounce, the male features distinctive tawny or reddish plumage, a blue-gray head, and prominent black facial markings, while the female has a more subdued brown appearance. These birds are primarily found in dense reedbeds near freshwater lakes, rivers, and marshes, where they establish monogamous pairs that may mate for life. The mating season occurs between April and July, and both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs, which typically number between four to eight.
Bearded reedlings are mainly carnivorous, feeding on insects, mollusks, seeds, and plant materials, usually foraging close to their habitat. Their unique calls, characterized by nasal "ping-ping" sounds, add to their distinctive presence in the wild. Although they do not migrate extensively, they may move to new breeding grounds or roosting areas in search of food or better conditions. Not considered a threatened species, bearded reedlings typically have a lifespan of two to three years, with the oldest known individual reaching six years. Their social behavior and adaptability make them an intriguing subject for bird enthusiasts and researchers alike.
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Bearded reedling, or bearded tit
The bearded reedling is native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia. A male and female bearded reedling form a pair before they are sexually mature and remain together for the rest of their lives. The bird receives its name from the two dark bands of feathering that appear on the face of the male.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Panuridae
Genus: Panurus
Species: Biarmicus
Although the bearded reedling looks like it may belong to a member of the titmouse family, it is a distant relative, if related at all. The bearded reedling belongs to a family of Asian birds that make up the parrotbill family. The bearded reedling reaches a full-grown length of five to seven inches (about 12 to 18 centimeters) and a weight of 1/2 to 3/4 ounce (14 to 21 grams). The female has a brown head, white chest, and brown and black wings. The male has a tawny, or reddish, body, blue-gray head, and black moustache. His wings are mostly black and brown, and he has a black undertail.
The bearded reedling inhabits the thick reedbeds that grow beside the freshwater lakes, rivers, and marshes. In certain regions, the bearded reedling is sedentary. It does not migrate to other areas as the seasons change. However, in areas where the bearded reedling population is greatest, flocks may travel far from the breeding grounds to establish new breeding grounds or to roost for the winter.
Bearded reedlings most often mate between April and July. Although most bearded reedlings form monogomous pairs, in large colonies, infidelity is common. When attracting a mate, the male bearded reedling puffs out the feathers of his dark moustache and lifts his tail, showing his mate his black undertail feathers. In return, the female spreads her tail and dances. Together, the two build a cup- shaped nest just above the water line in a bed of thick reeds. The nest is made of reeds and sedges with a lining of flowers and feathers. She lays four to eight eggs in the nest. The eggs are white with brown streaks. Both she and the male incubate the eggs for 12 to 13 days. Within two weeks of hatching, the chicks have developed their flight feathers and are able to fly. Groups of juveniles, or young birds, often leave the nest and form their own flock. The parents may raise one or two more broods, or groups of young, that same year.
The bearded reedling finds enough food to sustain itself within its reedbed habitat. It rarely wanders far from its home. Bearded reedlings are mainly carnivores, meaning they eat meat. During the summer months, the bird feeds on insects, such as mayflies. It probes the stems of plants, plucking the bugs with its small bill. It also scrapes at the ground, feeding on the bugs that scurry beneath its feet. It eats an occasional mollusk, as well as seeds, buds, and petals.
The call of the bearded reedling is described as a nasal, ringing "ping-ping." It is also heard emitting a softer "tic." The oldest known bearded reedling lived to be six years old, although the average lifespan is between two and three years. The bearded reedling is not a threatened species.
Bibliography
“Bearded Reedling - Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio.” Animalia, 2024, animalia.bio/bearded-reedling. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.
“Bearded Tit Bird Facts - Panurus Biarmicus.” Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/bearded-tit. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.
“7 Bearded Tit Facts You Need to Know.” BBC Wildlife, 9 Sept. 2016, hwww.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/birds/facts-about-bearded-tits. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.