Aegithalos caudatus (Linnaeus, 1758) · mlynárka dlhochvostá · Long-tailed Tit

Distribution

It occurs across Europe and Asia. In Slovakia it breeds regularly and remains throughout the year, making mainly local movements outside nesting. Northern populations can travel farther. Winter flocks visit suitable vegetation from lowlands to mountain valleys, often crossing a garden in only a few minutes.

Habitat

Search deciduous and mixed woodland edges, riverside willows, orchards, parks and gardens with denser undergrowth. It feeds on fine twigs, often hanging upside down. Following the whole flock and listening for both thin and harsher contact calls is helpful.

Breeding

Both partners build an elastic egg-shaped nest of moss and cobwebs, camouflaged with lichens and lined with feathers. The entrance is high on the side. The female usually lays 6–10 eggs and incubates them; both parents feed the chicks.

Food

Throughout the year it seeks tiny insects, their eggs and larvae, and spiders. The small bill extracts food from the finest branches, less accessible to larger birds.

Interesting fact

Outside breeding it forms cohesive family groups. The long tail accounts for much of its total length and, with the tiny rounded head, creates a silhouette recognisable even against the light.

Sources: Slovak Wikipedia · English Wikipedia · BTO BirdFacts