The Long-tailed tit (Aegithalos caudatus) is a small bird with pink, black and white plumage and a long black tail with white outer feathers. It is called the 'Long-tailed' tit because its tail is longer than its body.
They are a common bird throughout the UK, and can be found within hedgerows, deciduous woodland and gardens, and will only move a short distance when nesting - especially during the winter season when families join roaming flocks.
They build a beautiful dome-shaped nest of moss woven in with spiderwebs lined with large amounts of small, soft feathers; it is built by both birds (male and female) in a bush, hedge or tree.
They feed predominately on insects and insect larvae, and are very fond of berries; they will take bird food from our garden bird feeders, especially if they are filled with Peanuts or Peanut Granules. Also, Haith's Golden Chorus soft food is a scrumptious mix of wholesome goodness - its key ingredients are Sunflower Hearts, Raisins, Juniper & Rowan berries.
As far as population fluctuations are concerned, the Long-tailed tit seems to be doing quite well, and its numbers have increased perhaps as they've made constructive use of our gardens (this may, apparently, be because of our (UK) milder winters).
If you are lucky enough to see one of these delightful birds why not listen out for their trilling song which is high-pitched twittering that sounds like "tsee-tsee-tsee” and this is usually what gets them noticed - that and the fact that they tend to cling to bird feeders often in pairs or threes and fours at a time and Bill Oddie once told he thinks they look like balls of wool. How sweet.
Written by Tina Jakes
