Black-capped Chickadee

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The Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) is a cute little bird that I'm sure many of us see each and every day. Chickadees are common across the Northern United states and Canada, and are found in forests, open woodlands, and in suburban areas.

The Black-capped Chickadee is characterized by its small body, short neck, and large head. The head is black with white cheeks, the back and wings are a light grey, and the underside ranged from cream to white. They have short beaks and long, (for their size) narrow tails. They are very active, social birds. They live in flocks that often intermingle with other species, and have a wide variety of calls that they use when communicating.

Black-capped Chickadees are monogamous birds, typically for life. They build their nests in pre-existing cavities, and lay 8-12 eggs which hatch nearly two weeks later. The female is the sole incubator, and the male provides food.

Insects and Seeds make up a majority of the Black-capped Chickadee's diet. They will hide seeds for later consumptions, placing them in secret spots that they come back to later. Chickadee's can remember thousands of different hiding spots!