Long-tailed tit
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Small bird (approx 14 cm or 5.5 in) easily identified by its long tail, which contrasts with its small body and its black plumage on the back, tail and wings. The head is white and the ventral area is greyish with reddish tints. It has a black band on both sides of the head. He is very restless and usually appears in flocks.
Where it lives
It prefers forests with developed scrub, especially holm, cork and Portuguese oak woods. Also in pine woods with scrub, in parks and gardens.
How it lives
Species resident in Malaga all year round. It breeds from March, making a single annual laying of 7 to 12 eggs. Nest in shrubs, spherical and very elaborate. Very strict insectivore able to capture small spiders among the branches and on the leaves of the trees.
Where it can be seen in Malaga
Frequent and common species. It can be watched in most stages of the Great Path with forest formations. It is especially abundant in the stages that cross the Serranía de Ronda and the Genal Valley (stages 23 to 27).
Curious facts
The flocks of long-tailed tits are loud and confident. It is a very appreciative bird to watch, usually performing acrobatics among the branches and perching face down many times. They use silk from pine processionary nests to build their own.
Routes where it can be observed
- Altos de Hondonero
- Arroyo de la Ventilla
- El Alcázar - La Maroma
- Fuente de los 100 Caños
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 13. Archidona - Villanueva de Tapia
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 23. El Burgo - Ronda
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 25. Estación de Benaoján - Jimera de Líbar
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 28. Genalguacil - Casares
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 31. Marbella - Ojén
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 32. Ojén - Mijas
- Hoz de Marín
- Montes de Malaga Natural Park
- Quejigales - Puerto de Los Pilones
- Refugio de Juanar
- Río Guadalmina
- Río Jorox