The Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus) is a highly social bird, weighing 7–10 g and measuring 14 cm in length. Unlike other tits, it belongs to the Aegithalidae family. Its nests are masterpieces of construction, woven from spider webs, feathers, moss, and lichen, often incorporating 1,500 feathers gathered from the ground or dead birds.
These birds are energetic and noisy, travelling in flocks of around 20 individuals that constantly communicate with each other. They feed on insects, berries, spiders, and insect larvae, and can even hang upside-down like Blue Tits while foraging.
Breeding begins in early April, with females incubating 6–8 glossy white eggs (speckled with purplish-red) for 12–14 days. Pairs typically raise 1–2 clutches per year, sharing parenting duties. Uniquely, they often help feed the young of other pairs if their own nesting fails. The chicks fledge after 14–18 days and live for about two years.
Long-tailed tits are not territorial, often sharing feeding areas with other tit species in winter. They huddle together for warmth and frequently share nest boxes during colder months. Their nests expand as the chicks grow, showcasing their remarkable building skills.
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