With only small patches of reeds at Paxton Pits, bearded tit is only a sporadic visitor, with no records at all between 1985 and 2003.  More than half the individuals occurred in a single group in winter 1973, with a further six during November/December 1977.

They are most likely to be heard before being seen, their distinctive 'ping' used as a contact call from deep within the reeds.  With a long tail, black face patch and bright yellow bill, you'll know it when you've seen one.  In fact, it's not a true 'tit' at all, but related to the parrotbill family from Asia.