Oak Titmouse
The Oak Titmouse is a small, gray songbird with a distinctively tufted crest atop its head. Its plumage is primarily a soft gray, with lighter underparts and slightly darker wings and tail. This bird’s big, dark eyes and stout, pointed bill give it a charming, alert expression. Both males and females look similar, making it difficult to tell them apart by appearance alone.
Oak Titmice are highly energetic and agile, often seen flitting through oak woodlands and mixed forests. They feed on insects, spiders, and seeds, and are known for their ability to hang upside down while foraging. They have a varied diet and are frequent visitors to bird feeders, especially those stocked with sunflower seeds and suet.
These birds are non-migratory and are typically found in the western United States, particularly in California's oak habitats. They nest in tree cavities or birdhouses, making use of natural hollows or old woodpecker holes. The Oak Titmouse is known for its rapid, repeated call notes, which can be a helpful identifier in the field.