Marsh Tits in France
When the Marsh Tit (Poecile palustris) is present in France, when it nests, and which native France plants supply the food it depends on.
- Status in France
- Resident all year
- Nesting season
- April–June
- Size
- 11.5 cm, 12 g
- Nest box
- 25 mm hole
When to expect marsh tits in France
The Marsh Tit lives in France all year round. Mild in the west and south; hard frosts in the north-east and mountains.
Oceanic in the west, continental in the east, Mediterranean along the south coast and Alpine in the mountains.
Nesting in France
In France the Marsh Tit usually nests April–June. Nest site: natural tree hole. Clutches are 7–9 eggs, incubated for 13–15 days; chicks fledge after 17–20 days, and pairs raise 1 per year.
- Nest box: 25 mm hole. Put boxes up by February and clean them out between September and January.
- Avoid cutting hedges during the nesting season (roughly March to August) — in the UK, disturbing an active nest is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Native France plants for marsh tits
Of the native plants we track for France, these 8 provide food the Marsh Tit uses:
Haws feed thrushes all winter; spring blossom supports hundreds of insect species.
Late-winter berries when little else is left, plus dense nesting cover.
Late-summer berries taken by Blackcaps and thrushes.
Thorny cover that protects nests; early blossom for insects.
Berries and nest sites in its tangles; moths for insect-eaters.
Blackberries and impenetrable nesting cover.
Seed heads for Goldfinches and a nectar source for insects.
Early-summer cherries for Blackbirds and Jays.
Feeding in the garden
Insects, seeds and beechmast; hoards food.
- Best foods: Sunflower hearts.
- Feeders: Tube feeder.
- A declining bird of mature broadleaved woodland; gardens next to old woods are best.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked
Are marsh tits in France all year?
Yes — the Marsh Tit is resident in France all year.
When do marsh tits nest in France?
Typically April–June. Clutches are 7–9 eggs, incubated for 13–15 days, with 1 per year.
Which native plants help marsh tits in France?
Hawthorn, Ivy, Elder, Blackthorn, Honeysuckle, Bramble, Common knapweed, Wild cherry are native to France and provide food or cover the Marsh Tit uses.
What nest box does the Marsh Tit use?
25 mm hole.
Marsh Tits in other countries
Other garden birds in France
Sources
- Marsh Tit — RSPB bird guide
- Marsh Tit — BTO BirdFacts
- Atlas des oiseaux de France métropolitaine — LPO
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.