- Lifespan
- 2–3 years in the wild, occasionally up to 10 years
- Size & Weight
- 12–15 cm long including tail, wingspan 16–18 cm; 7–9 g
- Habitat
- Deciduous and mixed woodland, scrubland, hedgerows, and gardens with dense shrubs and trees.
- UK Distribution
- Found throughout England, Wales, and southern Scotland; largely resident year-round, with some northern populations moving south in winter.
- Diet
- Primarily small insects, spiders, and their eggs; supplemented with seeds and buds in winter, especially from alder and birch.
- Prey
- Small insects, spiders, insect eggs, and pupae
- Predators
- Sparrowhawks, other raptors, and corvids such as jays and magpies.
- Mating Season
- February to July
- Breeding
- Clutch of 8–12 eggs; incubation period 12–14 days; typically one brood per year, occasionally two in good conditions. Fledging occurs at 14–18 days.
- Behaviour
- Highly social and acrobatic, often seen in small flocks moving through vegetation with characteristic bouncing flight. They roost communally in winter, huddling together for warmth. Long-tailed Tits are known for their distinctive thin, high-pitched calls.