Long-tailed tit (Aegithalos caudatus)

The Long-tailed Tit is different to other tits. In fact, it isn’t really a tit at all, differing in its behaviour and appearance, and being more closely related to the bbalers of Africa and south-east Asia than our familiar Blue and Great Tits. It is easily distinguishable by its dainty size, long tail and patterned, soft-pink plumage. Long-tailed Tits are often found in parties of around 8-20 individuals, their distinctive bubbly ‘prrrt-prrrt’ calls revealing their presence.

In the winter the birds are to be found in small groups, numbering from 6-8 birds up to 20, and occasionally reaching 50 individuals within a single flock. Prior to dusk Long-tailed Tits are very busy and active before heading off to roost in thick shrubbery, such as a hawthorn. As Long-tailed Tits lose a lot of energy because of their small body mass, they need to keep warm. In order to maintain their body temperature overnight, the birds huddle in small bundles.

 

Taken @ Kidwelly

 

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