Long-tailed tit

The long-tailed tit (Aegithalos caudatus) is one of the smallest birds to be found in Europe, although it has one of the longest tails in proportion to the body of any bird to be seen in this part of the world.

Distribution and habitat

The long-tailed tit is found across much of Europe and Asia, with several distinct subspecies having been identified, depending on region. There is also interbreeding at the margins between these regions. The subspecies found in the British Isles is Aegithalos caudatus rosaceus, which is the one described in the present article. Its UK range is widespread, with only the far north and west of Scotland being off-limits.

The long-tailed tit is a woodland bird, although it is more likely to be seen at the edges of deciduous woods than deep within. It also frequents hedgerows and heathland, especially where there are plenty of bushes. Long-tailed tits often form small flocks of around 20 birds, and in winter may associate with other tit species in larger groups, although still within their breeding territory.

Appearance and behaviour

The long-tailed tit is about 14 centimetres (5.5 inches) in length, including the tail which is longer than the body. It is plump and round in shape with the neck being scarcely discernible. It has been likened to “a ball of fluff on a stick”, which is an accurate if unkind description.

The bill is particularly small, and the tail long and narrow. The colouring is mostly black and dull white, with pink tinges on the scapulars (wing shoulders), rump and underside, especially towards the tail.

The head is mostly white apart from a black streak running back from above the eye on each side. Male and female long-tailed tits have similar plumage.

The long-tailed tit is not a strong flyer, its flight being weak and undulating. It is a noisy bird, especially in groups, producing a mixture of high and low notes, trills and whistles in its call. A recording of the call is available on the appropriate page of the RSPB website, together with a short video and other information,

  

Breeding and feeding

The long-tailed tit is unusual among tits for the elaborate nature of its nest. This is a ball-like structure, more oval than round, that is about 20 centimetres high with a small entrance in the top, built in a thorny bush or high tree fork. It is constructed from moss, lichen and spiders’ webs, lined with a huge number of small feathers and camouflaged on the outside with pieces of bark. The nest is built by the female long-tailed tit from material brought by the male. It can take anything from 15 to 20 days to build.

The clutch comprises anything from 6 to 12 eggs, which the hen bird incubates alone for up to 13 days. Both parents feed the nestlings, both in the nest and after they have fledged. A second brood is common, and this is sometimes raised while the first brood is still in the vicinity. The young of the first brood have been seen to help raise the second by bringing food to the nest.

Long-tailed tits feed on insects and seeds, depending on the season.

© John Welford