Poorly studied Black-headed Penduline Tit (Remiz macronyx) recorded for the first time in Turkey (Aves: Remizidae)

The first Black-headed Penduline Tit (Remiz macronyx) in Turkey was recorded in April 2022, where it was captured and ringed at the Aras River Ornithological Research Station. This is a poorly studied species with a disjunct range consisting of four subspecies. We provide an overview of how to identify, age, and sex individuals within this species in comparison to the similar Eurasian Penduline Tit (Remiz pendulinus), as well as insight into the age and sex of our bird, and summarize current knowledge on the taxonomic situation and challenges of identifying this species. This study brings awareness to a poorly known species and can be useful for others that may either be looking for or potentially encounter this species as a vagrant in the Caucasian region.

Automated summary

The first Black-headed Penduline Tit in Turkey was recorded and studied, providing an overview of identification, age, and sex determination in comparison to the Eurasian Penduline Tit. This study also highlights the taxonomic situation and challenges of identifying this poorly studied species. It brings awareness to the species and may be valuable for those encountering it as a vagrant in the Caucasian region.