An Economist article printed in February 2024 describes the rise of cuteness (“Small, however mighty: how cuteness has taken over the world“).
It particularly mentions Japan: “Cute issues are all over the place, not simply on-line. In Japan—the place appreciation for all issues kawaii is very eager—roadblocks come within the type of dolphins, geese or frogs.”
No shock then that the Lengthy-tailed Tit may be very well-liked on Hokkaido. It helps that the subspecies right here is the caudatus one with its totally white head, which one way or the other makes the hen look much more like a cartoon character.
They even promote plush Lengthy-tailed Tit toys on the Hokkaido airports.
A UK web site additionally gushes concerning the hen’s cuteness: “This tiny little hen has a powerful declare to be thought of the UK’s cutest hen!”
The established purveyors of cuteness at eBird don’t disappoint both: “Lovely, energetic little hen with a minute stubby invoice. Distinctive: tiny and fluffy with enticing pinkish, black, and white plumage and really lengthy tail.”
And as a closing entry within the cuteness part, listed here are some images of the nest – the analysis group that has arrange this web site calls the birds “lotti’s” for brief, which in itself is type of cute.
As a polymer chemist by training, I used to be thrilled to see that plastics are helpful to the Lengthy-tailed Tit as nicely – a paper describes a nest in northwest England that was largely constructed from plastic particles, specifically artificial fibers, from a close-by discarded cushion.
To my disappointment, the nest was later deserted.
The species is a cooperative breeder – males whose breeding efforts fail assist different males convey up their chicks.
Apparently, they like to assist males whose calls are extra much like their very own, presumably a sign of being extra intently associated.
“Bye for now!”
