Species profile
About this species
The Long-tailed Tit is a tiny, distinctive bird found across Europe & Asia, recognisable by its remarkably long tail which makes up over half of its total length. It has a fluffy, rounded body with pink, black & white plumage, giving it an almost toy-like appearance. These sociable birds travel in noisy flocks, often joining mixed feeding groups with other tit species during autumn & winter.
Long-tailed Tits favour deciduous & mixed woodland, scrubby hedgerows, heathland with scattered bushes & well-planted gardens. They are commonly found along woodland edges & in areas with dense shrub layers that provide both food & nesting cover.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
In the field, David Miles, Ian Roberts & Pui Hang Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Winter months from November to February offer the best opportunities, as flocks are more visible in bare trees & regularly visit garden feeders. Early morning light provides warm, flattering tones & the birds are most active during feeding periods shortly after dawn.
Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000s to freeze the constant movement of these restless birds as they flit through branches. Position yourself near known feeding areas or woodland edges where flocks regularly pass through, allowing you to anticipate their flight paths. A telephoto lens of 400mm or longer is recommended as these birds rarely stay still or allow close approach, so working from a distance gives better results.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Long-tailed Tit
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.