Bird of the week - Long-tailed tit

Long-tailed tits are present in the garden all winter, moving through the trees in flocks, or tribes, several times a day.  At this time of year the tribes break up and one or two birds, presumably nesting nearby, come down to the feeders.  I have see the first doing so this week.

Long tailed tits do less well in severe winters but the long term trend shows an increasing population.

BTO Garden BirdWatch data also show a long term increase in reporting

and show that reports peak at this time of year.

Read more about long-tailed tits on the BTO website here or BTO BirdFacts here or BTO BirdTrends here.  Listen to the BBC Tweet of the Day on long-tailed tit here.