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The long-tailed tit, or Aegithalos caudatus, is a diminutive bird, notable for its distinctive tail that exceeds the length of its body. This charming avian measures a mere 13–15 cm from beak to tail tip, with the tail accounting for 7–9 cm of this length. Both sexes are similar in appearance, and juveniles don a complete adult plumage after their first moult. The bird's plumage is a delightful mix of black, white, grey, and pink hues.
When attempting to identify the long-tailed tit, look for its round body, short bill, and the remarkably elongated tail that gives this species its name. The plumage is predominantly black and white, with varying degrees of grey and pink depending on the individual.
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The long-tailed tit thrives in a variety of environments, including deciduous and mixed woodlands with a rich undergrowth, edges of forests, and scrublands. It is also a common sight in heathlands with scattered trees, farmlands with hedges, and riverine woodlands, as well as parks and gardens.
This species enjoys a broad range across temperate Northern Europe and extends into the Palearctic, reaching into boreal Scandinavia and dipping south into the Mediterranean zone.
The long-tailed tit is a sociable bird, often seen in flocks outside the breeding season. These flocks are family-based, with parents and offspring from the previous breeding season banding together, sometimes joined by additional adults. They defend territories against other flocks and exhibit a strong preference for roosting communally, which aids in survival during cold nights.
