If you see a cotton ball-like thing perched on the branch of a tree in Japan, chances are that it is a Japanese long tailed tit. Here are some amazing facts about these little cotton furballs
Aegithalos Caudatus, commonly known as long-tailed tits, are tiny birds that have more in common with babblers rather than tits.
You can find them in abundance in certain European countries. You can also see some sub-species in Hokkaido. These are known as Hokkaido’s long-tailed tits or Japanese long-tailed tits.
These cute creatures look like cotton balls when they are perching on tree branches due to their white plumage. They are not only cute but intelligent and cooperative.
Below we have summarized some amazing facts about these birds for you.
1. Survival Strategies
These cute and fluffy birds are not just pretty but also clever. They have several nesting strategies to ensure their survival.
They are tiny birds measuring just 5.5 to 6 inches in length, which makes them easy targets to various predators such as hawks and other large birds.
Therefore, they have developed many strategies to survive.
Firstly they lay up to 10-12 eggs (sometimes even 15) in a clutch, more than most birds, so there is a high chance that at least some of the eggs will survive till maturity.
Secondly, they intentionally make their nests close to the nest of birds like northern goshawks and common buzzards.
These birds are predators of corvids and jays, so they drive away the natural predators of Japanese long-tailed tits.
2. Dedicated Moms
Japanese Long tailed-tits are known for being very active. You will rarely see them staying in one place for long enough, even to click a picture. They are restless cute cotton balls that are always on the go.
But when these birds become mothers, they sit on their eggs for 12 to 14 days without moving even a muscle. Mothers stay inside the nest for the whole period of incubation.
As the poor mother sits there without moving, her tail becomes bent when she comes out of her nest. She then spends the next 10 to 12 days feeding the nestlings and preparing them for a life outside the nest.
3. Nesting Helpers
In some bird species, the mother bird is responsible for incubating the birds, hatching them, and looking after the nestlings.
In others, the mother and father bring up the nestlings by cooperating in incubation and gathering food.
The brooding of Japanese Long Tailed-tits is unique because it involves birds other than the mother and father!
Helper birds bring food for nestlings and even protect them during an attack by a predator.
These birds also help to build the nest by bringing bramble bush, spider silk, and spider egg cocoon, which they use for insulation of their nests.
4. Multipurpose Tails
One of the most interesting things about every animal is its communication technique. Be it dancing bees or sniffing dogs, communication for every species is unique.
These tiny Japanese birds use mainly two methods for communicating. The first one is by calling like all other birds.
They have mainly three types of contact calls, the pit, the triple EEZ call, and the Schuur call.
Secondly, they use their long tails to communicate with other flock members.
Their tails also allow them to balance their body on the tree branches. It is their tail that sometimes also allows them to perch upside down on branches.
5. Long-Tailed Tit Hierarchies
You might wonder how these tiny birds survive through the winters without migration.
Japanese long-tailed tits do not migrate from their habitat to another during winter but rather roost together in communal roosts to survive the winters.
What’s interesting is that they usually flock in circles based on hierarchy.
The more powerful family members and their parents remain inside the circle while roosting, while less powerful birds remain on the perimeter of the circle.
You will find these birds patrolling at night to protect their winter territory. Thus, the habits of Japanese long-tailed-tits often mimic the societal norms of human culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a long-tailed tit live?
Despite their short life span, they are found in abundance in their habitats due to some of the survival strategies that we mentioned earlier.
How much do long-tailed tits weigh?
The light weight helps them to fly through the air and balance upside down in tree branches.
Do long-tailed tits migrate in the winter?
Some birds patrol to protect their territory during winter and return to the flock to roost at night.
Can a long-tailed tit hover?
They hover by flying straight up and then coming downwards in a drop slowly.
Wrap Up
IUCN has declared these birds to be species of least concern, which means they have a large population size and their chances of being endangered are extremely low.
The main reason is due to their high survival rates and low nest failure rates and their strategies to live in the wild. Thank you for reading these amazing facts about Japanese long-tailed tits!
