'Smol' Bird Looks Just Like A Flying Cotton Ball And We Can't Get Enough Of It
When people say that something looks like a cotton ball, the general assumption is to visualize it as a cute and fluffy thing that is adorable enough that we can never get enough of it. Well, that is exactly how we feel about this particular bird living on a Japanese island, which truly looks like a cotton ball at first glance.
Long-tailed tits can be easily identified from a distance because of their pudgy and round white bodies and a long "lollipop" tail, hence their name. Don't be fooled by their ball-like appearance, though, because when you look at them from the side, you will see that their tail is actually much bigger than their body!
They are noisy birds, and you can usually notice them in small, loud flocks of about 20 excited birds. They rove through the hedgerows and woods but can also be seen in commons and heaths that have suitable bushes.
From afar, you will see tumbling balls of birds that bounce and seesaw from one garden to another, especially during winter. You will also hear their high-pitched "si-si-si-si-si" calls that signal their arrival.
Adult long-tailed tits can be identified by their soft pink plumage on their chest area, while 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 smol enough to be put into your pocket and keep you company throughout your day!
Just a tiny ball of fluff vibing in nature.
They are a widespread species, found in almost all of northern Europe and Asia, and even in the Mediterranean. They prefer to reside in woodlands that have a reputation for having large portions of shrubbery and heathland.
They can also be commonly found in gardens and parks, so make sure to check the nearby sycamore, ash, and oak trees while you're there!
Their tails only appear really long because of their stocky bodies. An adult long-tailed tit can grow to about 5 to 6 inches long, including the tail, which accounts for at least half of 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. In harsh periods, as many as 90 percent may die.” says Michael McCarthy from Independent.
They are already small in size, but even smaller birds are prone to losing more body heat compared to larger ones, so they are actually at risk of dying when a partner is not found. Therefore, they flock together in specific groups: brothers, sisters, uncles, and aunts.
They feed on the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths; however, they have developed an increasing interest in peanuts because of the growing popularity of feeding areas for birds.
They look so cute, right? It's fortunate that they are still in the "Least Concern" category as of now, and it seems their population numbers won't be in trouble any time soon.
Comment with your thoughts, or share this little ball of fluff with all your family and friends to see!
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