Long-tailed Tit (aegithalos caudatus)

This striking, black, white and pink tit has a very long black tail, which is more than half its length. You’ll see them travelling around in small flocks looking for insects and spiders especially in the birch trees in Scotswood Garden. They need to eat a lot as they lose heat quickly and may die if they can’t get enough food in the winter.

Long tailed tits are known as master builders as their nests are beautiful – made from moss and lined with cobwebs, hair and 100s of tiny feathers. The hole into the nest is small so they have to fold their tail over their head to get in. The female bird lays 8-12 white eggs.