Long-tailed tits have distinctive colouring, and a tail that is bigger than their body. Adult length is14 cm, with a wingspan of 16-19 cm. Fully grown they weigh 7-10g.

It Iikes woodlands, woodland edges and hedgerows, heaths and commons, gardens, parks, and farmland, building its nest in scrubby bushes. These resident birds can be seen all year round. They are gregarious and noisy and are often seen in flocks of around 20. In winter they join up with other tit species.

Long tailed tits are insect eaters. In autumn and winter they may eat seeds.

It emits a high pitched 'see see see' call and a trilling noise 'tsirrup'.

Long tailed tits lay a large clutch of 7-12 eggs which hatch after 14-16 days. The young fledge at 14-18 days.


The maximum lifespan of the long tailed tit is 8 years