The Black-capped Chickadee is a cute small songbird, a passerine bird in the tit family Paridae. Adults have a black cap and bib with white sides to the face. Their underparts are white with rusty brown on the flanks; their back is grey. They have a short dark bill, short wings and a long tail.
These cute birds hop along tree branches searching for food, sometimes hanging upside down or hovering; they may make short flights to catch insects in the air. Insects form a large part of their diet, especially in summer; seeds and berries become important in winter. They sometimes hammer seeds on a tree or shrub to open them; they also will store seeds for later use.
During the fall migration and winter, chickadees often flock together. Many other species of birds, including titmice, nuthatches, and warblers can often be found foraging in these flocks. Mixed flocks stay together because the chickadees call out whenever they find a good source of food. This calling out forms cohesion for the group, allowing the other birds to find food more efficiently. When flocking, Black-capped Chickadees soon establish a rigid social hierarchy.
As winter storms still rage across parts of the United States, birds are preparing to move north for spring migration. As temperatures finally warm up, we wonder about how our feathered friends spent the cold, harsh winter months. When temperatures drop and food becomes scarce, animals... Read more »
Birdorable loves birds, and we love when others share their passion for birds, too! Last year, we were interested to hear from Megan LaRocque, a Master of Science student at the University of Alberta in Canada. Megan reached out to us with a special request—she wanted to... Read more »
As autumn paints the landscape in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, birds are busy preparing for the changing season. While fall signals migration for many species, for others, it's a time to feast and get ready for winter. The connection between birds and fall foliage goes beyond beauty... Read more »
The melody of birdsong, weaving through a thick forest or a productive meadow, often evokes a feeling of joy. While this sentiment is charming, the true reasons behind avian vocalizations are much more complex and fascinating..... Read more »
