When people say something looks like a cotton ball, they usually think of it as a cute and fluffy thing that looks so adorable that we can never get enough of it. Well, that’s exactly what we feel with this particular bird living on a Japanese island that, at first glance, really does look like a cotton ball.
Long-tailed tits are easily recognized from a distance by their plump and round white body and long lollipop tail, hence their name. However, don’t be fooled by its spherical appearance, because if you look at it from the side, you’ll see that its tail is actually much larger than its body!
They are noisy birds and are usually seen in small, loud flocks of about 20 excited birds. They roam hedgerows and woods, but can also be seen in heaths and heaths where there is suitable bush.
From afar one could see tumbling balls of birds jumping and swinging from one garden to another, especially in winter. You’ll also hear their high-pitched “si-si-si-si-si” calls that signal their arrival.
Adult long-haired tits can be recognized by the soft pink plumage in the chest area, and young birds have a black bandit mask on their faces.
If you are in need of something cute and squishy to see today, just stare at this adorable photo of a Long-Tailed Tit!
You can’t deny how adorable it is, and it even looks small enough to slip into your pocket and just keep you company throughout the day!
Just a tiny ball of fluff vibing in nature.
This is a widespread species, found throughout almost all of Northern Europe and Asia and even in the Mediterranean. He likes to live in forests, which have a reputation for being full of bushes and heaths.
They can also often be found in gardens and parks, so be sure to check out nearby plane trees, ash, and oak trees!
Their tails appear very long just because of their stocky bodies. An adult long-haired tit can grow to approximately 5 to 6 inches in length, including a tail that is at least half that length.
While they generally thrive well in winter, harsher conditions will lead them to huddle or flock together to maintain warmth.
“The tiny long-tailed tit is so small that it is very vulnerable to cold weather. During severe periods, up to 90 percent may die.” says the Independent’s Michael McCarthy.
They are already small in size, but even smaller birds tend to lose more body heat compared to larger ones, so they actually risk dying if a mate is not found. Therefore, they gather in certain groups: brothers, sisters, uncles, and aunts.
They feed on eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths, however, they have grown to have an increasing interest in peanuts because of the growing popularity of feeding areas for birds.
They look so cute, don’t they? Luckily, they are still in the “least concern” category for now, and it looks like their numbers won’t be in trouble anytime soon.
Comment below with your thoughts or share this little furball for all your family and friends!
H/T:dailysquared