The Bearded Tit or Bearded Reedling (Panurus biarmicus) is a small, sexually dimorphic reed-bed passerine bird. It is frequently known as the bearded tit, due to some similarities to the long-tailed tit, or the bearded parrotbill. The Bearded Tit frequents the reedbeds and the associated vegetation, in or beside fresh and brackish water, marshes and swamps. It is from Europe and Asia, from Western Europe, Turkey, Iran to Manchuria. This finch bird is able to perch between two reeds, grasping each stem with one foot. Pairs often sleep together perched on a reed stem.  Bearded tit finches for sale are small orange-brown birds with a long tail and an undulating flight. The male has a grey head and black moustaches (not a beard); the lower tail coverts are also black. The female is generally paler, with no black. Flocks often betray their presence in a reedbed by their characteristic “ping” call. PLEASE PROVIDE A LOT OF SPACE FOR THE BEARDED TIT. THEY ARE VERY ACTIVE AND AVIARIES ARE BEST.

Geography: Temperate Europe and Asia

Song / Call:  Flocks often betray their presence in a reedbed by their characteristic “ping” call.

Size / Weight: 5.5″ / 12 – 18 gm

Life Span: Up to 6 years

Sexing: Bearded Tits are easy to sex visually.

DNA Testing

If there is no gender option listed for a bird on our website, that particular species is ‘monomorphic’, which means we’re unable to determine gender without purchasing DNA testing. DNA testing is an additional $149 per bird to guarantee preferred gender. DNA testing may add an additional 3-6 plus weeks to estimated delivery time to allow for gender results. See our FAQs for more info.

Temperament: The bearded parrotbill is a weak flier, typically staying low while flying over reeds, with its long tail fanning and twisting from side to side. During courtship displays, the male bearded parrotbill fluffs out its moustache and erects a small crest on its head. It’s elegant plumage and affectionate dispositon make for a lovely pet.

Breeding: Bearded Tits build their nest site among close-growing stems of reeds, sedges, and other marsh vegetation. Typically among more or less vertical stems, but also among broken or flattened vegetation, in clusters of basal leaves, or built into rim of nest of heron. Nearly always protected above by roof of sheltering vegetation. Nest is a deep cup of dead leaves of reeds and other marsh plants, lined with reed flower-heads, usually also feathers, occasionally mammal hair.

Diet: The Bearded Tit feeds mainly on insects such as mayflies during summer, but in winter, it consumes more seeds, and particularly those of reeds, Australian Blend Goldenfeast.