Yellow-breasted Tit Cyanistes flavipectus

Naphill, Nr High Wycombe - September 2011

Photos copyright Denis Oates

Photos copyright Dave Ferguson

This bird was present from late August to mid September at least and was seen visiting feeders in a garden next to extensive woodland.  The bird eventually proved to be an escape from a aviculturist somewhere near High Wycombe, but it did cause quite a few people to visit the site and discuss ID matters.  In the end it was said by the aviculturist owner to have been of the race flavipectus which is known as "Yellow-breasted Tit.  The lower photo shows some growth on the claws which may be  due to being kept in captivity.

There are no accepted records of wild Azure Tits in the UK and not considered a likely species to visit, as it is essentially non-migratory.