Species Profile
Long-tailed Tit
Aegithalos caudatus
Long-tailed Tit
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
2–3 years
Length
13–15 cm
Weight
7–9 g
Wingspan
16–19 cm
Migration
Resident
Also known as: Long-tailed Bushtit
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Appearance
The Long-tailed Tit is a tiny, round-bodied bird with a distinctive long tail that often exceeds the length of its body. Its plumage is primarily black and white, with varying shades of pink on the breast and shoulders, giving it a delicate, fluffy appearance.
Adults have a white head with black stripes above the eyes, while juveniles display duller colours, shorter, browner tails, and lack pink tones. The species shows little seasonal variation in plumage, and males and females are alike in appearance and size.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- White
- Secondary
- Brown
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Long-tailed Tits inhabit deciduous and mixed woodlands, parks, and gardens across Europe and Asia. They prefer areas with dense undergrowth and a good variety of tree species, particularly favouring edge habitats.
In the UK, they are widespread residents, found throughout England, Wales, and Scotland, except for the northernmost parts. Their range has expanded northward in recent decades, possibly due to milder winters.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Wales
United Kingdom
England
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Cambridgeshire
Rutland
Bedfordshire
Buckinghamshire
Berkshire
Bristol
Cheshire
Cornwall
Cumbria
Derbyshire
Devon
Dorset
Durham
East Riding of Yorkshire
Essex
East Sussex
Gloucestershire
Hampshire
Herefordshire
Hertfordshire
Isle of Wight
Kent
Merseyside
Lancashire
Leicestershire
Lincolnshire
London
Manchester
Northumberland
Norfolk
Northamptonshire
Nottinghamshire
North Yorkshire
Oxfordshire
South Yorkshire
Tyne and Wear
West Midlands
Suffolk
Shropshire
Somerset
Surrey
Staffordshire
Stockton-on-Tees
Warwickshire
Wiltshire
West Yorkshire
Worcestershire
West Sussex
Diet
Long-tailed Tits primarily feed on small insects, spiders, caterpillars and the eggs of moths, which they glean from tree bark and leaves.
In Autumn and winter, they supplement their diet with seeds and occasionally visit garden feeders, showing a preference for suet and peanuts. They are also sometimes observed to drink sap.
When tackling a particularly large insect, they may acrobatically twirl into a precarious one-footed upside-down position, gripping the prey with its other foot.
Behaviour
Long-tailed Tits are highly social, often seen in small, noisy flocks outside the breeding season. They move acrobatically through trees and shrubs, hanging upside down to forage.
These birds huddle together in tight rows during cold nights for warmth, showcasing their cooperative nature.
They are a lively, energetic species and are tolerant of the presence of other similar-sized birds, although they seem less enthusiastic at being in close proximity to humans.
Calls & Sounds
Long-tailed Tits are vocal birds, frequently emitting high-pitched, rippling 'si-si-si' or 'tsee-tsee-tsee' calls. These contact calls help maintain flock cohesion.
During the breeding season, they produce a softer, more melodious warbling song, often described as a gentle 'prrrt-prrrt-prrrt'.
Nesting & Breeding
Long-tailed Tits form monogamous pairs and begin nest-building in early spring. They construct elaborate, elastic nests using moss, lichen, and spider silk, camouflaged on the outside with lichen and lined with up to 2,000 feathers.
Females typically lay 8-12 small, white eggs with fine red speckles, barely larger than a peanut. Only females usually incubate the eggs for about 13-15 days.
Nestlings fledge after 14-18 days but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks. Uniquely, failed breeders often help relatives raise their young, increasing overall breeding success.
Conservation
While currently listed as Least Concern, Long-tailed Tits are vulnerable to harsh winters and habitat loss.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining diverse woodland habitats and encouraging wildlife-friendly gardening practices to support their populations.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their high-pitched 'si-si-si' calls to locate flocks
- Look for their distinctive silhouette with a small body and long tail
- Search in mixed woodland edges and gardens, especially near feeders
- Observe their acrobatic movements as they forage in trees and shrubs
Did You Know?
- Long-tailed Tits build one of the most intricate nests of any British bird, using up to 6,000 pieces of material.
- They have a unique cooperative breeding system where failed breeders help relatives raise their young.
- Its long, elegant tail is used to communicate with other birds and balance on branches.
- Despite their tiny size, Long-tailed Tits can survive temperatures as low as -20°C by huddling together.
- The Long-tailed Tit is not actually a tit but is more closely related to babblers.
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