Scottish Birds

Bearded Reedlings

The Bearded Reedlings of the Tay Reed beds.

The bearded reedlings (Bearded Tits) of the Tay Reed Beds are a striking sight, flitting gracefully among the golden reeds. These small, round-bodied birds, with their soft buff plumage, long tails, and distinctive black mustaches (on males), thrive in the dense wetland habitat along Scotland’s longest river. Their sharp, metallic calls echo through the reeds as they acrobatically cling to stems, foraging for seeds and insects.
Very tricky to photograph – lots of patience required!