Long-tailed Tit
Aegithalos caudatus
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Aegithalos caudatus
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Mass
~9 g
Habitat
Forests
Diet
Insects and invertebrates
How to recognize it
The long-tailed tit looks light and almost round, with an unusually long, narrow tail. Its plumage is soft and fluffy, so at a distance it can seem like a tiny ball with a tail attached.
It moves in lively family flocks, and you often hear it before you spot it. Its calls are thin and sharp, and they become faster and louder when the flock crosses open ground.
It uses deciduous and mixed woods, scrub, parks, and gardens. It feeds on small insects year-round and takes some seeds in autumn and winter; for nesting, it strongly favors thorny bushes, usually low down.
Quick Facts
Listen to the call
The long-tailed tit looks light and almost round, with an unusually long, narrow tail. Its plumage is soft and fluffy, so at a distance it can seem like a tiny ball with a tail attached.
It moves in lively family flocks, and you often hear it before you spot it. Its calls are thin and sharp, and they become faster and louder when the flock crosses open ground.
It uses deciduous and mixed woods, scrub, parks, and gardens. It feeds on small insects year-round and takes some seeds in autumn and winter; for nesting, it strongly favors thorny bushes, usually low down.
How to recognize it
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Aegithalos caudatus Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Long-tailed tit Encyclopedia article