BRINKHUIZEN DM (2007) A remarkable case of hatchling death in the Penduline Tit. LIMOSA 80 (3): 109-111.

The Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus is a rare breeding bird in The Netherlands. In spring 2006 the breeding biology of Dutch Penduline Tits was investigated. During the research a remarkable case of hatchling death was found in one of the studied nests. A nest was found of which the entrance was stuffed 5 cm deep with fluffy material (mainly wool). Inside the nest six dead young of approximately 13 days old were found. In the period before the incident the female had been taking care of the young. Most likely, a Penduline Tit has been responsible for blocking the nest. The question who blocked the entrance, a male or the female has two possible answers. It may have been an unpaired male that committed infanticide in order to get the female for itself. Alternatively, the female may have blocked the nest entrance herself, by accident whilemaintaining and/or repairing the nest. This odd sighting has not been reported in the complex breeding system of Penduline Tits before.

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