Blackbird, and what are these lumps on the Marsh Tit?

[KennyC]

Just a Female Blackbird, and a Marsh Tit, but what are these growths near the eye of the Marsh Tit? Are they Ticks? I see these quite often on small birds.

[BDennis]

Nice captures.

I think the Marsh Tit has some ticks, I’ve seen it on other birds too. They pick them up in nest or roosting holes I think. I’ve seen one before that had moth eaten feathers. The problem with the ticks is they can’t peck them off around the face / head and birds don’t do social grooming. I think they will fall off eventually.

Bill

[TravelingChick]

I agree - I think they are ticks. They'll fall off when they are finished feeding.

[Pannas]

You have to feel sorry for birds, such as this Marsh Tit. As if life was not hard enough for them already, they get to be plagued by parasitic unpaid passengers as well! Excellent photos.