..Long Tailed Tit..
The Long Tailed Tit is more likely to be seen at Corkagh than in neighbouring gardens but they do occasionally visit if you have mature trees nearby and bird food available. They are quite different to the other species of Tits we are familiar with. Maybe you have seen them in winter, when they flock in family groups of about 15 and fly from tree to tree twittering away as they go.
Even during the breeding season, a pair will allow other birds within their family group to assist with feeding the young.
They are primarily a bird of woodland and feed mostly on insects and the caterpillars of butterflies and moths. However in winter, if food is scarce, they will feed on seeds and nuts which is when you may see them in your garden.
The Long Tailed Tits nest is the most intricate you will find, made up of spider silk and moss which gives it strength after which it is covered over with lichens. In fact their nests have often been compared to Velcro such is their strength. The nest can also be lined with up to 2000 feathers which they carefully collect. They can make their nests in the branches of trees or in low thorny scrub.
They only have one brood per season, laying as many as 8 eggs or more. It takes over a month from egg laying to the young fledging. After they fledge they are likely to stay with their family group throughout the winter. Once breeding starts the females will usually leave their group to find a mate since this prevents inbreeding.
