Kennedy Wild Bird Food's guide to the Long Tailed Tit

The Long-Tailed Tit is easy to spot due to its small body and very long tail, which is where its name derives. Its plumage consists of a white underbelly and black stripes down its back and along the sides of its head. These dainty birds prefer to move around in small flocks and can be extremely noisy. They love to hide in woods and hedgerows, but can also be seen in any area that has a large number of bushes and cover. Although the Long-Tailed Tits are related to many species that are found in Asia, it is the only species that is found in Europe. They prefer the winter time and cooler weather, so September-March is the best time to head out to spot the long-tailed tit.

What do long-tailed tits eat?

Long-tailed tits love suet products and peanut mixes, like many other species in the tit family. We have a number of wild bird food products that are perfect for various species of tits, from our fat balls to our peanuts for birds! With any of our seed or bird food mixes, it's important to make sure you provide a good water supply for your visiting birds!

Where do long-tailed tits nest?

The long-tailed tit can typically be found in woodland and overgrown shrubbery, but during the warmer seasons, it moves out into the countryside to breed and nest. Their nests often consist of moss, paper and even spider webs. The male and female work together to build the nests and they will collect feathers to line their nests for comfort. If you've spotted a long-tailed tit, make sure to log your sighting in our Kennedy BirdSpotter map!

What is the long-tailed tit call?

The long-tailed tit's call is extremely high pitched and sharp to the ear. It comes in very quick bursts that can easily be heard through other bird calls. Check out the video below to hear the long-tailed tit's call. Click here to listen