Noisy, chatty and incredibly cute, the long-tailed tit is perhaps the most unique member of the tit family. These birds are recognised by their striped black and white bodies, a baby pink stomach and bead-like black eyes. Unsurprisingly, they have a very large tail which is much longer than their body and causes their undulating, jumping flight pattern.
Where there’s one long-tailed tit, there’s usually several more close by! Long-tailed tits stay in their family groups, which can be up to 20 birds, and they often squabble excitedly together in the hedgerows.
Long-tailed tits build incredible nests which are domelike structures made from moss, cobwebs and lichen. The nest is constructed and balanced in the fork of a tree and then lined with up to 1,500 feathers, providing luxury for 8-12 long-tailed tit eggs.
Diet
Long-tailed tits eat mainly insects, but will look for seed in autumn and winter.
RECOMMENDED FOOD
The Henry Bell Blue Tit Blend is a great feed option for the long-tailed tit. Our Blue Tit Blend offers a nutritious seed mix for all members of the tit family as well as finches and other small birds. Make sure to provide clean water nearby to your feeders to allow great tits to clean their beaks after each meal.