| |
|
|
|
Back
| Print |
Black Capped Chickadee
|
|
Binomial Name: Poecile
atricapillus
|
|
Description
The Black-Capped Chickadee is distinctively
patterned with a combination of a black cap and
bib, and white cheeks. Often tame, inquisitive
and trusting.
Photo curtesy of
Mdf
The State Bird
Of:
Maine & Massachusetts
Size: 4.4 - 5.5” (12 -
14cm)
Voice:
Chick-a-dee-dee-dee or dee-dee-dee
|
Distribution &
Habitat
The habitat of the
chickadee is mixed or deciduous woods, willow
thickets, groves and shade trees. The habitat
range is in Canada, Alaska and the northern
United States. The Black Capped and Carolina
chickadee are virtually impossible to tell
apart visually, but they are readily
distinguished by call. Their point of overlap
is near New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Feeding Habits
The chickadees visit
feeders, where they eat suet, sunflower
seeds. The chickadee also eat insects
and are valuable for controlling insect pests.
Breeding & Nesting
Habits
In the winter, Black-capped
Chickadees move together but they will break up
into territorial pairs to breed. Thus, though you
may have a flock visiting your feeder all winter,
you are likely to have fewer birds from late March
to late May. At the end of March,
nesting will begin. By late April, 5 to 10
eggs are laid. The eggs will hatch after about two
weeks and the young fledge 16 to 17 days later. The
male bird feeds the female during courting and
while she is sitting on the eggs. After the young
fledge, the parent birds molt. If you happen to see
the entire family in your yard or at your feeders,
the young birds are the ones with neat and tidy
feathers. Fledglings also have shorter tails. |
Back to
Top
| Home About Us Contact Us Site Map
|
|
|
BetterBirds.com
