Long-tailed Tit

Description:

The Long-tailed Tit is a small songbird with fluffy, white and pink plumage. It has a black marking around its eyes and a distinctive long and narrow tail. This bird has a short, but curved, black beak.

What they eat:

Long-tailed Tits are insectivores, which means they feed predominantly on insects, particularly spiders and their eggs, and small caterpillars.

Habitat:

Long-tailed Tits occupy woodlands, hedgerows, and parklands. They prefer places with dense vegetation and are particularly fond of areas with willows.

Size and wingspan:

The average length for the Long-tailed Tit is about 14cm, and their wingspan is around 18cm.

Male/Female difference:

The Long-tailed Tit does not have any distinctive features to tell its sex apart.

Where to find:

Long-tailed Tits can be found across the entirety of Ireland, primarily in woodland areas.

What months can they be found in Ireland:

The Long-tailed Tit can be found in Ireland all year round.

Interesting Note:

Long-tailed Tits are known for their unique breeding behaviors. They build a large nest, usually made of moss, feathers, and spiders' webs, in the fork of a shrub or tree. These birds even weave a tunnel, made of the same materials, to the entrance of the nest, which provides protection and insulation from the elements. Additionally, Long-tailed Tits practice cooperative breeding, where the adults build the nest and the juveniles from the previous breeding season help feed and care for the current season's chicks.