Guide to the
Long-Tailed Tit

Widely regarded as one of the cutest garden visitors, our Long-tailed Tit bird guide will help you get to know this sociable bird. At a staggering 9g, they weigh in at less than a £1 coin. You can find them travelling in big groups. Another unique thing about them is that they take part in cooperative breeding; helping out with each other’s young when the male doesn’t step up to the mark!

How to identify Long-Tailed Tits?

Long-tailed Tits are not ‘true’ tits, but they are a member of the same larger group that also includes warblers and swallows. They have very small, rounded bodies with long tails that make up more than half their length. The head is white and there is a wide black band that runs from the side of the forehead back along the crown, giving the appearance of having eyebrows. The throat and breast are also white and they have a light pinkish belly and flanks. The upperparts are black with pink on the shoulders, and the long, narrow tail is black with white edges. Juveniles are duller in appearance than the adults, with a dark forehead and side of head, and brown on their bodies, lacking the pink altogether.

What do Long-Tailed Tits sound like?

A distinctive, rasping call often draws attention to an approaching flock.

What do Long-Tailed Tits eat?

Mostly arthropods, especially small bugs and insect eggs, plus the larvae of moths.

What predators do Long-Tailed Tits have in gardens?

Mainly Sparrowhawks.

How numerous are Long-Tailed Tits?

According to the latest population estimate, from 2016, there were 370,000 pairs of Long-tailed Tits in Britain and 380,000 pairs in the UK.

How long do Long-tailed Tits live for?

On average, Long-tailed Tits live for around two years. However, the current longevity record for this species is eight years and 11 months.

When are Long-tailed Tits most frequently seen in gardens?

According to Garden BirdWatch data, which has been collected since 1995, they are most frequently seen in February in around 38% of gardens. Their highest average monthly maximum count tends to come in January, with around 1.67 birds per garden.

Are Long-tailed Tits increasing or declining in gardens?

Long Tailed Tits have increased in gardens since Garden BirdWatch began. Mild winters are thought to be one of the reasons behind this increase. They also benefit from provisions in gardens, including food and a fresh supply of water.

When do Long-tailed Tits nest?

Long-tailed Tits nest between March and June, and have one brood a year. They tend to lay up to nine eggs, which are incubated for around 16 days. The young fledge after another 17 days.

Do Long-tailed Tits use nest boxes?

Long-tailed Tits are not known to use nestboxes. They build intricate, ball shaped nests that are made out of moss.

What can I do to help Long-tailed Tits in my garden?

Provide food and fresh, clean supply of water for them.

Did you know?

Breeding pairs of Long-tailed Tits sometimes have ‘helpers’ that assist them with raising young. These helpers may be birds whose own breeding attempts have failed. Up to eight helpers have been recorded feeding a single brood, strongly increasing the chances of the young fledging successfully.

 

This bird guide has been written in collaboration with experts at the British Trust for Ornithology. To find out more about their vital work, visit: www.BTO.org