The bearded reedling is a small, long-tailed passerine bird found in reed beds near water in the temperate zone of Eurasia. It is frequently known as the bearded tit or bearded parrotbill, as it historically was believed to be closely related to tits or parrotbills. Today it is known to lack close relatives and it is the only species in the family Panuridae.
Region
Temperate Eurasia
Typical Environment
Occurs across extensive reedbeds from western Europe through central and eastern Europe to temperate parts of Asia. Strongly tied to large stands of common reed (Phragmites) around lakes, marshes, fens, and slow-flowing waterways. Prefers dense emergent vegetation with adjacent open water and muddy margins. In harsh winters it may disperse more widely, occasionally turning up in atypical wetland patches.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the bearded tit, it is the sole member of the family Panuridae. Its distinctive metallic 'ping' calls carry over reedbeds. The species shifts seasonally from eating insects to seeds and increases grit intake in winter to grind tough reed seeds. Males show striking black moustachial 'beards', while females are plainer buff.
Flock in the species' typical reed bed habitat during winter in Finland, the northernmost part of its distribution
Eggs at Muséum de Toulouse, France
After a hard winter, a bearded reedling population can be greatly reduced
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, bouncing flights over reeds
Social Behavior
Often seen in small, chattering parties moving through reedbeds. Pairs nest low in dense reeds, building a deep cup of reed leaves and grass. They can raise multiple broods in a season when conditions are favorable and roost communally outside the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations dominated by sharp, metallic 'ping' calls that carry far over wetlands. Song is soft and simple, often interwoven with calls during social contact.
Plumage
Silky, smooth plumage with warm cinnamon-buff upperparts and a long, graduated tail; underparts paler. Males have a blue-grey head with bold black moustachial streaks; females are more uniformly buff without the 'beard'. Both sexes show pale under-tail coverts contrasting with darker tail feathers.
Diet
In spring and summer it feeds mainly on insects such as aphids, beetles, and other small invertebrates gleaned from reed stems and seed heads. In autumn and winter it switches to seeds, particularly those of common reed and other emergent plants. During the seed-eating season it ingests grit to aid gizzard function and efficiently grind tough seeds.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense reed stands, clambering acrobatically along vertical stems and reed panicles. Often feeds close to water level but will ascend to seed heads, especially in winter.
