Bird of the week - Long-tailed tit

The long-tailed tit is a favourite amongst birdwatchers and photographers and must count as one of our cutest birds.  At this time of year long-tailed tits are still in large groups (known as tribes) but they will soon break up into pairs for the nesting season.  They come to the feeders more regularly at this time of year, probably because there is less natural food around for them.  They prefer the suet feeder or peanuts and usually don't stay long.

The long-tailed tit is Aegithalus cordatus.  These BTO Garden BirdWatch data suggest it is becoming more common as a garden visitor and show the peak in late winter.

The population has been increasing in recent years.

It is found throughout most of lowland England and Wales.

Thomas Bewick made this engraving for A History of British Birds (1797).

Archibald Thorburn painted long-tailed tits on several occasions.

You can read more about long-tailed tits here.  And listen to the BBC Radio 4 Tweet of the Day here.