Identification

Long-tailed Tits are delightful birds to encounter, swinging through the trees in tight noisy groups. Normally not seen on thier own so if you see one get ready to count ans they move about you garden.

They look like a tiny, fluffy ball with a great long black and white tail which is quite unmistakable. It was once known by its old english name of the Buzz Bumble.

Habitat

Breeds in dense vegetation on woodland edges, scrubby thickets and hedgerows. Occurs more widely in winter including woods and gardens.

Behaviour

The constant calls of Long-tailed Tits are to help the flock stay together. If one bird gets separated from the rest of the flock, the others will double-back to 'rescue' it.

If you are good enough can imitate their calls you can attract the flock within a few feet. When licensed BTO ringers find a mist-net full  they often find the birds have gone in from both sides. The first birds go in the net from one side and call so the flock comes back into the other side. This apparent 'care' for the well-being of other members of the flock is almost certainly related to the fact that many flocks are in fact family parties of closely-related individuals.

Migration

Sedentary.

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