Long-tailed tit

The local breeding population is smaller than the 2% of the national population (estimated at 20,000–50,000 pairs). The conservation status of the local population, which is not isolated within its wider distribution range, is considered good. The species is found in many forest habitats in Paggaio, usually of broad leaf species with vertical vegetation structure and ecotones. It can also be observed at low altitude agroforestry areas, in riparian vegetation or in groups of trees and shrubs that grow there.

Very small bird. It looks like a tiny ball with a tail, which is as long as its body, narrow, black with white edges. Its body is black and white, with lighter underparts and a black back with brownish-red shoulders. The very small head is white with black bands on the sides. Energetic, with a prancing and a shallow flight. With acrobatic skills, it clings to the branches and can be hung upside down. When nesting fails, it often help in hatching the eggs and raising the chicks of related pairs. This increases the overall reproductive outcome and the assistants gain experience.

Resident in the area. A forest species, lives mainly in deciduous forests but also in mixed deciduous-coniferous forests with abundant shrubby understory, preferring edge habitats. It is also found in heather and phrygic habitats, hedgerows with scattered trees, riparian forests, rural areas. Also in parks and gardens in urban areas, especially in winter. Its nest is an elaborate and durable construction. It is closed, oval, braided with moss, feathers and cobwebs and camouflaged with pieces of bark. It builds it on forks of branches, usually in thorny bushes or trees, at a height of no more than 3 m. It feeds mainly on arthropods, preferring eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths. It will rarely feed on plant species in the fall. Outside the breeding season, it forms small flocks of 6-17 individuals. Apart from the group diet, the main role of flocking seems to be social perching. The small long-tailed tits do not tolerate the cold and resting in groups in close contact helps them to survive the cold winter nights.

It is vulnerable to severe winters, when its population can be significantly reduced. The fragmentation and degradation of its suitable habitats can threaten local populations during the winter, due to the large home range of its groups. Nest predation (by crows, mustelids, and reptiles) can also have a negative effect on the species’ population.

Least Concern.

Protected under the Bern (Appendix III) and Bonn Conventions (Appendix II). Listed as Least Concern in Greece and in Europe, by the Greek Red Data Book and the IUCN correspondingly. Not included in a SPEC category (European species of conservation concern) by BirdLife International.