World Image Magazine Issue 31 April 2016 | Page 43

A Study in Nature Long Tailed Tit - Pictures by Scott Latham The long-tailed tit or long-tailed bushtit (Aegithalos caudatus) is a common bird found throughout Europe and Asia They are easily identified by their plumage which is mainly black and white, with variable amounts of grey and pink. Through the spring and summer months they are usually seen in pairs gathering food for their young. In winter, especially hard winters, they are known to form flocks of 20 or more birds, visiting the feeders in domestic gardens. Like all tits, its favoured food in the garden is seeds, but it will visit fat balls and filled coconut shells in search of food. It is a frequent visitor to waterfalls during the summer where it cleans itself or dust and mites. Also in the winter they join with other members of the tit family to form larger mixed flocks in gardens and other areas where food is available. It has been described as a tiny being just 13 to 15 cm in length, including its 7 to 9 cm tail, and its flight is undulating in nature. It is a round-bodied tit with a short, stubby bill and a relatively long, narrow tail. The sexes look the same and young birds undergo a complete moult to adult plumage before the first winter. Website = www.worldimagemag.com Page 43 email = [email protected]