Continental Coal Tit periparus ater ater at Thompson Water 16th January 2017

Continental Coal Tit periparus ater ater at Thompson Water 16th January 2017 

On January 16th 2017 I found this Coal Tit at Thompson Water, Norfolk.  I thought there was something different about this birds appearance and fortunately, a follower of my site suggested I submitted this photograph to the County Recorder for scrutinisation as it was considered a good candidate for the continental sub species of our Coal Tit.
The first I learnt something about this birds identity was in the Norfolk Bird and Mammal Report 2017 when it appears to have been accepted as the continental Coal Tit periparus ater ater.  The bird shows characteristics of the continental form in the lead grey mantle, and in the 'bleed' from the corners of the black bib down the breast sides.
The continental Coal Tit is a very rare bird in the UK, however, it is possible that this form is overlooked.