A Long-tailed Tit, Aegithalos caudatus, perched on a lichen-encrusted twig with a snowy background, in winter.
Long-tailed Tits are one of our prettiest bird species. They are usually found in family groups in summer and autumn, joining together to form flocks, especially in winter, flying through trees and bushes, constantly ‘chattering’ to each other.
Their tails are longer than their round, often fluffed-up, bodies giving them the appearance of a ball of wool with knitting needles or even like giant tadpoles as they weave through trees.
They are usually found in woodlands and parks, but will come to feeders in gardens, particularly in winter. When roosting, they huddle into a tight ball with their tails sticking out to keep warm as each bird only weighs c9g, less than a £1 coin.
This image is copyright © Liz Leyden, all rights strictly as agreed in writing with the author or her agent.
It is available for sale as various types of wall art, and as home and personal accessories, from my gallery at Pixels.com.
I also have a selection of photos of Long-tailed Tit, including this photo of a group on a peanut feeder (left) available to purchase as stock photos from iStock.
