Long-tailed Tit / Aegithalos caudatus LC

The Long-tailed Tit is a small, fluffy songbird from the family Aegithalidae. Known for its rounded body and unusually long tail, this bird is one of the most adorable woodland species in Europe and Asia. Often seen in lively flocks, the Long-tailed Tit constantly calls with soft twittering notes while flitting through the branches in search of food.

Description and identification

The Long-tailed Tit is about 13–15 cm long, with nearly half of that length taken up by its tail. It weighs only 7–10 g. You can easily recognize it by:

• A white or pinkish-white head with a dark stripe on each side.
• A round, fluffy body and a long tail that helps with balance during flight.
• Soft, silky plumage with a mix of white, gray, black, and pink tones.

Habitat and distribution

The Long-tailed Tit inhabits a wide range across Europe, Russia, the Caucasus, Siberia, and East Asia. It prefers:

• Deciduous and mixed forests with dense undergrowth;
• Parks and gardens near human settlements;
• Bushy edges of woods, ravines, and thickets.

Diet

The Long-tailed Tit primarily feeds on insects and other small invertebrates. Its diet includes:

• Tiny insects and their larvae;
• Spiders and aphids;
• Seeds and berries during the cold season.

Breeding and behavior

Breeding begins early in spring. Both partners build a beautiful domed nest made of moss, feathers, and lichens — one of the most intricate nests among small birds. The nest is hidden in bushes or trees. A typical clutch contains 8–12 eggs, incubated by the female for about two weeks.

Interesting facts about the Long-tailed Tit

• Despite its name, the Long-tailed Tit is not a true tit (family Paridae).
• These birds form family flocks of up to 20 individuals in winter, helping each other find food and stay warm.
• Their song is a series of gentle chirps and short trills, often heard in the treetops.

Conservation status

The Long-tailed Tit is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List. Its population is stable across its range, although local threats include habitat loss due to forest clearance and reduced shrub cover.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)