European Penduline Tit

Remiz pendulinus

Weaves a flask-shaped hanging nest from plant down so snug it was once used as a slipper.

Population: ~420,000–840,000 mature individuals in Europe (majority of global range); population trend increasing
Habitat: Wetlands and semi-open riparian habitat — reed beds, river lowlands, and scrub/woodland edges with willows, elms, poplars, or birches, especially trees with thin drooping branches suitable for nest attachment; usually near water
Fun fact: The Eurasian Penduline Tit weaves an elaborate, felted pouch-shaped nest with a tubular side entrance from plant down and spider silk, suspended over water from thin hanging branches or reed stems — a structure so sturdy that in parts of Central Europe it was historically repurposed as a child's slipper or purse.
Range: Western Palearctic, from Iberia and western/southeastern Europe eastward across temperate and steppe Eurasia to China; range expanded westward and southward (reaching northern Morocco) through the 20th century; northern/eastern populations migratory, southern populations largely resident
Diet: Primarily insects and spiders (gleaned from reeds, catkins, and branches); also seeds, including from willows and reeds, especially outside the breeding season
Size: 0.11 m
Wingspan: 0.17 m
Lifespan: 6 years

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