Long-tailed Tit tell tales

camo · #1 (**permalink**) 15-02-2009, 03:05 PM

Hi

Leading upto the cold spell we had a family of 7 Long Tailed Tits regularly visiting our feeders. You could guarantee if one arrived they would all hit the peanuts and fat. This week I have noticed that there are only 3 LTT, now I know this could be another family or they could have split but I think some have probably bitten the dust.

Have other members noticed a similar drop in numbers and are LTT an indicator of how severe the conditions have been. Throughout the period the family have continued to feed.

Roy

aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 15-02-2009, 03:20 PM

I've seen fewer this weekend- only seen 3 today. Maybe some have perished in the freezing conditions (it tends to be a vulnerable species to cold), but a bit soon to be sure. Also haven't seen my local Kestrels or see any yesterday at Holkham.

Ironically I seemed to have seen more Blue Tits today than I've seen in a while!

John · #3 (**permalink**) 15-02-2009, 03:23 PM

I must admit that I used to get about half a dozen visit my feeders but the last couple of weeks they are down to two. In fact I haven't seen them this weekend at all.

I also haven't seen a Sparrow or a Wren in my garden since before Christmas and that is worrying.

John

Paul mabbott · #4 (**permalink**) 15-02-2009, 03:26 PM

This variation in numbers is not unusual. Under normal circumstances I see 1-3 every couple of days but larger flocks on a weekly basis in the winter. Yes, the larger flocks are seen more often in snowy/frosty weather, especially when there is fat or peanuts available but I think that is not due to change in numbers but because they stay closer to a known food source rather than roaming over a larger area to forage as is their common practice.

When you talk about 'family', you mean it in the broader sense of an extended family - the females are polyandrous (I forget what the technical term is) so some may be a females offspring to different parents. To confuse matters, new recruits may be taken in and flock members who don't pull their wait may be expelled. Thus the singletons seen may have been expelled, may be seaching for a new flock or may just be lost!

Quote:

Originally Posted by camo

Hi

Leading upto the cold spell we had a family of 7 Long Tailed Tits regularly visiting our feeders. You could guarantee if one arrived they would all hit the peanuts and fat. This week I have noticed that there are only 3 LTT, now I know this could be another family or they could have split but I think some have probably bitten the dust.

Have other members noticed a similar drop in numbers and are LTT an indicator of how severe the conditions have been. Throughout the period the family have continued to feed.

Roy

camo · #5 (**permalink**) 15-02-2009, 03:38 PM

Hi Paul

Thats really interesting, yes I did mean family as thats what I belived. LTT are one of my favourite birds because they are so interesting to watch, however from what you have said that makes them even more fascinating. The thought that such a fragile bird can evlove a social group that can hire and fire to create the best work force is amazing. I hope you are correct with regards to numbers as I have seen them increase over the years. I also find it difficult to judge the condition of not just LTT but all birds as the fluffiness of their feathers often disguises any loss of condition, has anyone got any tips on judging condition.

Roy

Paul mabbott · #6 (**permalink**) 15-02-2009, 03:51 PM

Yes, I'm not a birdy person but do find this a fascinating species.

With regard to hiring and firing, for such appealing, fluffy little things, they can be very violent to each other - almost on a par with robins. In the snow some days back there were several on a fat block and two of them started wrestling - the only way I can describe it: grabbing on to each other to such an extent that the pair of them fell to the floor where they continued to grapple in the snow!

My impression is that number have increased over several decades and this is mainly due to humans feeding them - they have partly changed their feeding habits to accomodate peanuts which used to be totally ignored. I suspect that the biggest threat to them is nest predation by magpies and other corvids (and probably squirrels).

Can't help on the last point, sorry.

Quote:

Originally Posted by camo

..........
Thats really interesting, yes I did mean family as thats what I belived. LTT are one of my favourite birds because they are so interesting to watch, however from what you have said that makes them even more fascinating. The thought that such a fragile bird can evlove a social group that can hire and fire to create the best work force is amazing. I hope you are correct with regards to numbers as I have seen them increase over the years. I also find it difficult to judge the condition of not just LTT but all birds as the fluffiness of their feathers often disguises any loss of condition, has anyone got any tips on judging condition.

Roy

Pam_M · #7 (**permalink**) 15-02-2009, 04:03 PM

I have had just 2 LTT's visit the garden the last couple of days compared to a small flock of around 8, they are so flitty at times it is hard to count them! I wondered if they are starting to pair up now?

ron1863 · #8 (**permalink**) 15-02-2009, 04:56 PM

No change in numbers up my way, in fact I have noticed an increase in numbers. I regularly get between 8 - 18 LTT at any one timebut only for a few minutes, three or four times a day.

camo · #9 (**permalink**) 15-02-2009, 07:10 PM

Paul Mabbott quote "With regard to hiring and firing, for such appealing, fluffy little things, they can be very violent to each other - almost on a par with robins. In the snow some days back there were several on a fat block and two of them started wrestling - the only way I can describe it: grabbing on to each other to such an extent that the pair of them fell to the floor where they continued to grapple in the snow!"

Wow and I thought they was just fluffy little squeaky things that send my camera crazy trying to get a focus. Like you I am not a birder and watch Birds when their are no Mammals about however I do find them interesting.

Hi Ron good to see you have plenty. Pam I wonder if you are the same as me?

Back to the thread the idea was that LTT because they operate in recognisable groups may be good indicators of what is happening to other birds. I have loads of everything visit but only one group (not family) of LTT The only birds I have a hope of recognising are the LTT and would not notice a reduction Chaffinch, although having said that its a long time since I saw any Greenfich.

Roy

Green Man · #10 (**permalink**) 15-02-2009, 08:38 PM

Agree with Paul re:long tailed tit 'families'. Its brilliant cos a larger flock can contain blue,great,coal tits,goldcrests and esp in the Autumn, some warbler species. Its also a safety in numbers thing and the ltt's are very vocal with their contact calls - ie calls to keeo the flock essentially together. Have a very soft spot for ltt's and always get a thrill when they're in the garden