Long tailed tits are one of our unmistakable resident birds, with a small body and, as the name suggests, a very long tail in comparison. They are most commonly spotted outside of breeding season in small, excitable flocks restlessly searching for food.

Length: 14cm

Wingspan: 16 - 19cm

Conservation Status: Green

Description: The long tailed tit is black and white with pinkish shoulders and under parts. Its head is black with a white crown and black marks above the eyes, and a tiny, stubby black bill. As the name indicates the tail is much bigger than the body and is very noticeable during the tit’s flight. Both sexes look similar as do juveniles, except they are shorter and darker in colour.

Nesting: Long-tailed tits live in woods, hedgerows and commons where there are suitable bushes for nesting. They make the most intricate and delicate of all bird’s nests spending three weeks creating their luxury home. The construction begins with a cup shaped dome made of moss and stuck together with cobwebs to give it elasticity which allows the nest to expand and accommodate up to twelve chicks! Then they collect lichens from walls and rocks and place them on the outside of the nest for camouflage. Finally, they fill their cosy retreat with feathers for warmth and softness. They can use up to 2000 feathers in each nest, and in their effort to collect all the various materials will fly between 600-700 miles! They produce one or two broods of 8-12 whitish eggs which incubate for 13-18 days. If the pair’s breeding attempt fails they will return to the nest of a sibling to help raise the chicks. Long-tailed tits are territorial in breeding season but after this they form small, sociable flocks of about ten birds, consisting of parents and offspring. This flock unites in the search for food and also roosts communally, huddling together for warmth.

Feeding: Long-tailed tits enjoy insects and spiders, but in winter when these foods are scarce they choose seeds. They sometimes come to gardens in winter but are rarely seen at feeding tables, preferring seed feeders.

Ultiva Treat Blocks	Ultiva Suet Pellets	4-Season Feeder Mix	Did you know?
			Long-tailed tits are sometimes described as ‘avian sheep’ as they follow each other around and always stick together. If you see one, it’s very likely there will be others nearby.

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