Juniper Titmouse
The Juniper Titmouse is a small gray bird with a distinctive tufted crest atop its head. Its back and wings are light gray, while the underparts are a softer, paler gray. This bird has a short, stout bill and dark, expressive eyes. Males and females look alike, making it difficult to distinguish between the two.
Juniper Titmice are known for their active and curious behavior. They are often seen flitting through the branches of juniper and pinyon trees, searching for insects, seeds, and berries. They use their strong bills to hammer open seeds and extract insects from bark crevices. Their call is a sharp "tsicka-dee-dee-dee," which they use to communicate with each other.
These birds are primarily found in the southwestern United States, including parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Nevada. They prefer dry, open woodlands dominated by juniper and pinyon pines. They build their nests in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes, lining them with soft materials like feathers and fur.