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£ GBP
The Marsh Tit and the Willow Tit are two small birds of woodlands and forests extending from Great Britain to Japan. They are resourceful, resilient, vocal and bold. Both species are an important part of our natural heritage and are sentinels of our wooded ecosystems, sensitive to habitat changes that send their populations into decline and signalling problems in these precious habitats.
In this first monograph for either species, Richard Broughton reveals the intricacies of the remarkable lives of these birds, bringing together decades of personal study and a detailed review of the wider research from Europe and Asia. We learn about each species' taxonomy, communication, food and foraging patterns, habitats, social organisation, breeding behaviour, dispersal and the survival of individuals, as well as exploring the challenges they face and their future prospects.
With more than 150 illustrations, including unique maps, charts and colour photographs, The Marsh Tit and The Willow Tit brings together a wealth of information surrounding these fascinating species and considers how we can better understand and conserve them.
Preface
1. Marsh Tits and Willow Tits – similar yet different
2. Communication
3. Habitat
4. Food and foraging
5. Social organisation, territories and home-ranges
6. Breeding
7. Dispersal and movements
8. Survival and longevity
9. Conservation conclusions
Appendices
References
Acknowledgements
Index
Dr Richard Broughton is a research ecologist with expertise in birds, mammals, forests and farmland in Great Britain and Europe. He completed a Masters degree in GIS at the University of Edinburgh and a PhD in Marsh Tit ecology at Bournemouth University, joining the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology at Monks Wood in Cambridgeshire before relocating to Oxfordshire. Richard has studied Marsh Tits, Willow Tits and their habitats in detail for more than 25 years.
"A superb account of the ecology and behaviour of two declining bird species whose lives are intimately shaped by their woodland habitats. The information contained in this thoroughly researched book will surely help in developing strategies to conserve these and other woodland species."
– Rob Fuller
"There can surely be nobody else as richly qualified as Richard Broughton to write this definitive work on the natural history of these two fascinating species of birds."
– Professor Ben Sheldon
