Chickadees are small, active birds that are found in a variety of habitats across North America. These birds are easily identifiable by their black and white plumage, cheerful and flitting behavior, and their distinctive “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call.
Chickadees are beloved by birders of all ages for their friendly personalities, and they are an important species in many habitats.
1. Black-capped chickadee
The black-capped chickadee is a small and cheerful songbird found in deciduous and mixed forests across North America. It has an iconic black cap, white cheeks, gray back and wings with whitish bars on them.
The underparts are usually light colored or greyish brown. This species is well adapted to cold winters as it can reduce its body temperature by up to 8°C while roosting at night; this helps save energy during the colder months of the year.
It feeds mainly on insects but also eats seeds, fruits and suet from bird feeders when available.
Black-capped chickadees are popular birds among backyard visitors due to their sociable nature - they often establish lifelong partnerships with one another for breeding purposes.
Furthermore, they have been designated as state birds of Massachusetts and Maine in USA plus New Brunswick in Canada – a testament to how beloved these little avian friends truly are.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Poecile |
| Species | P. atricapillus |
2. Tit
Tit birds are small passerine birds belonging to the family Paridae, found mainly in Northern Hemisphere and Africa.
These active little birds can be seen singing sweet songs throughout the day or scavenging for food at feeders.
They have short, stout bills which they use to crack open seeds and nuts with ease. Tit species range from chickadees to titmice; all of them sport a distinctive black head cap that stands out against their pale grey bodies.
Their bright eyes allow them excellent vision while searching for food - even on gloomy days when other predators may not see as well.
Tits are an important part of any healthy ecosystem and provide many ecological services such as insect control and seed dispersal.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Infraorder | Passerida |
| Family | Paridae Vigors, 1825 |
3. Chickadees
Chickadees are small birds in the tit family, Paridae. They can be found across North America, Europe and Asia.
Chickadees have black and white plumage with a distinctive "chee-dee" call that is used to detect their flockmates in dense foliage or open fields.
The genus Poecile contains 15 species of chickadees including the Black-capped Chickadee which is common throughout much of North America as well as other regions such as Europe and parts of Asia.
These adaptable birds live year round in cold climates but migrate south during winter months when food becomes scarce.
In addition to being vocal communicators amongst themselves they are also known for their intelligence at finding food sources despite seasonal changes or habitat alterations making them an important part of many ecosystems around the world.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Poecile Kaup, 1829 |
4. Carolina chickadee
The Carolina Chickadee is a small passerine bird found in the tit family Paridae. It stands out for its distinct black and white, grey-brown feathers with an offwhite underside.
This species can be spotted by its call: "chick-a-dee". The American Ornithologists' Union has classified them into their own genus called Poecile as they differ from other tits due to both genetic data and morphology.
These birds are found all over North America, living in wooded areas near open fields or water sources.
They feed on insects such as caterpillars but also have been known to eat suet at backyard feeders during winter months when food is scarce.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Poecile |
| Species | P. carolinensis |
5. Boreal chickadee
The Boreal Chickadee is a small, sparrow-like bird that inhabits the boreal forests of Canada and northern United States.
It has a distinct trill call that it uses to communicate with other birds in its area.
This species can be identified by its gray cap and bib, white cheeks, whitish underparts, black wings and tail feathers.
It also has yellow feet which helps distinguish it from similar looking birds like the Black-capped chickadee or the Carolina chickadee.
This species tends to remain within their range year round as they are nonmigratory birds due to their food storage habits during winter months when food sources become scarce.
They store food throughout trees using special techniques such as caching seeds into bark crevices or burying them underground for later retrieval when needed most.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Poecile |
| Species | P. hudsonicus |
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6. Mountain chickadee
The Mountain Chickadee is a small songbird in the tit family Paridae. It's distinct features include its black cap and bib, white cheeks, gray back and buffy underparts.
This bird was named after an American naturalist called William Gambel.
Recent studies have suggested that this species should be separated from other tits due to differences in their mitochondrial DNA cytochrome B sequence data as well as physical characteristics such as morphology.
They inhabit coniferous forests of North America between Alaska's Aleutian Islands all the way down to northern Mexico.
The diet of these birds consist mainly on insects but they are also known to eat seeds and berries at times.
These active little birds often join mixed-species foraging flocks during wintertime with other chickadees, nuthatches or kinglets which helps them survive colder climates by pooling resources together when food sources become sparse.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Poecile |
| Species | P. gambeli |
Also Featured In: Most Common Winter Birds, Birds That Live in Colorado
7. Chestnut-backed chickadee
The Chestnut-backed Chickadee is a small passerine bird in the tit family, Paridae. It lives within the Pacific Northwest region of America and Canada; its range extending from southern Alaska to southwestern California.
This species remains a permanent resident throughout its area rather than migrating seasonally, although feeding flocks may temporarily move short distances for food sources.
They are commonly found in woodlands with dense understory vegetation as well as suburban gardens.
The male and female birds can be distinguished by their distinctive patterned plumage: males have brown backs while females are grayer above but both share white bellies and buffy sides striped with black barring across their wings and tails.
These sociable birds usually feed on insects or seeds which they obtain from trees or shrubs using their sharp beaks.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Poecile |
| Species | P. rufescens |
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8. Tufted titmouse
The Tufted Titmouse is a small, cheerful songbird found in North America. It's part of the tit and chickadee family (Paridae).
It has distinctive white feathers around its eyes, grey-brown wings and upper body, with a pale tan underside.
Its most notable feature is the black crest on top of its head that gives it an inquisitive look. The male also sports a pinkish breast which can be seen.
When singing from high perches during the spring months. This bird loves to eat sunflower seeds or suet at backyard feeders as well as insects in summertime.
You may even see them poking into crevices and bark looking for food.
They are quite social birds too, being often spotted in mixed flocks alongside other species such as nuthatches and woodpeckers all year round.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Baeolophus |
| Species | B. bicolor |
9. Grey-headed chickadee
The Grey-headed Chickadee is a small passerine bird belonging to the tit family Paridae. It is native to subarctic Scandinavia, and northern Palearctic regions as well as Alaska and Canada in North America.
This species prefers coniferous forests for nesting and resides year round without migrating or wintering elsewhere.
They have an interesting behavior of carrying food on their back with one claw while flying away from predators; this specialized adaptation helps them evade danger quickly.
In addition, they are known for making loud chirping sounds that can be heard up to 300 meters away during breeding season.
These birds are quite common in many areas but remain elusive due to their size and quickness when disturbed by people or other animals nearby
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Poecile |
| Species | P. cinctus |
10. Mexican chickadee
The Mexican chickadee (Poecile sclateri) is a small passerine bird in the tit family Paridae which can be found throughout Mexico and parts of Northern Central America.
It has distinctive black and white plumage, with grey wings, tail feathers and nape, as well as a prominent dark grey cap on its head. Its call consists of two notes that sound like "chick-a-dee".
This species feeds mainly on insects but also takes seed from trees or shrubs when available.
They are often seen foraging in pairs or small groups along tree branches close to the ground where they find their preferred food items.
The Mexican chickadee plays an important role in controlling insect populations while providing much needed entertainment with its cheerful song.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Poecile |
| Species | P. sclateri |
Also Featured In: Common Birds of Mexico City,
11. Bridled titmouse
The Bridled Titmouse is a small passerine bird of the tit family Paridae. It has a distinctive black and white patterned face with an accompanying black bib, framing its crest which is boarded with gray, white and sometimes even black.
These birds range from 11.5 - 12.7 cm in length, making them quite small compared to other songbirds.
When nesting season arrives they lay anywhere between 5-9 eggs that can often be found in shades of white or reddish browns speckled throughout it's shell exterior.
All around these feathered friends are quite beautiful creatures that are able to bring joy into any environment they may inhabit.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Baeolophus |
| Species | B. wollweberi |
12. Black-crested titmouse
The Black-crested titmouse is a passerine bird in the Paridae family and was recently recognised as its own species.
Native to southern Texas, Oklahoma and east central Mexico, they have been known to make their way as far north and east as St. Louis Missouri through vagrancy.
The birds measure between 5 - 6 inches long with an overall grey colouring featuring white underparts and black crowns on their heads giving them the name 'Black-crested'.
These birds are omnivores foraging for insects, fruit or seeds depending on seasonality of food sources available at different times throughout the year.
They form monogamous pairs typically making nests of twigs lined with grasses & feathers which both parents take part in building & raising young before fledging.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Baeolophus |
| Species | B. atricristatus |
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13. Oak titmouse
The Oak Titmouse is a small passerine bird of the tit family, Paridae. It has an overall grayish-brown plumage with a cream-colored undersides and its face is plain in coloration lacking any distinct patterning or markings.
The distinguishing feature of this species however, is the tufted crest on top of its head that gives it a unique appearance.
They are native to western North America where they inhabit oak woodlands and chaparral habitats at elevations between sea level up to 5500 feet above sea level.
These birds feed mostly on insects such as caterpillars but also consume seeds and fruits during colder months when insect prey becomes scarce.
In addition, they have been seen stealing food from other birds’ nests including acorn Woodpecker's caches.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Baeolophus |
| Species | B. inornatus |
Also Featured In: Birds that Live in San Francisco Bay Area,
14. Juniper titmouse
The Juniper Titmouse is a small bird species that can be found in North America. It belongs to the tit family Paridae and has distinct differences from other birds such as song, preferred habitat and genetic makeup.
The Juniper Titmouse generally has gray plumage with a crest or tuft on its head, while its face is plain-colored.
Its underside is lighter than the rest of it body which gives it an overall two-tone appearance.
This species typically resides in arid regions characterized by junipers trees where they find food sources like seeds, nuts, insects and berries amongst others things.
They are also known for their loud vocalizations often heard during breeding season making them quite noticeable when present in an area.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Baeolophus |
| Species | B. ridgwayi |
15. White-breasted nuthatch
The White-breasted Nuthatch is a medium-sized bird belonging to the nuthatch family Sittidae. It measures around 15.5 cm in length and its colour varies throughout its range.
Males have a light blue-grey upperpart, with black crown and nape whereas females have a dark grey crown instead of black one.
The underparts are whitish, with reddish tinge on sides and flanks while the bill is short and stout with pale base near eyes which can be yellow or white depending upon geographic location..
This species feeds mainly on insects but will also eat seeds, nuts and berries when available.
They prefer open woodlands where they often climb trees searching for food along trunks as well as branches underneath bark crevices creating their nest there too.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sittidae |
| Genus | Sitta |
| Species | S. carolinensis |
16. American bushtit
The American bushtit is a small, social bird found in the New World. It's the only species of its genus and family, Psaltriparus minimus.
First described by John Kirk Townsend in 1837, it inhabits forests and coasts from Alaska to Mexico.
With their tiny size (4-5 inches) they are easily identified by their gray or brown backs with white underparts.
Bushtits have long wings allowing them to travel quickly between trees; they form flocks that move together through branches looking for food such as insects, spiders eggs and fruit while emitting soft chirps or squeaks.
They build beautiful large pendulous nests made of mosses which hang from tree branches high above ground level where they sleep at night.
These charming birds make delightful company during outdoor activities like hiking or camping trips.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Aegithalidae |
| Genus | Psaltriparus Bonaparte, 1850 |
| Species | P. minimus |
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17. Blue-gray gnatcatcher
The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is a beautiful small songbird native to North America. It has a length of 10–13 cm (3.9–5.1 in), wingspan of 6.3 in (16 cm) and weighs only 5–7 g (0.18–0.25 oz).
Males have blue-gray upperparts with white underparts, slender dark bill, and long black tail edged in white; females are less vibrant but still eye catching.
Juveniles are brownish gray overall but may show some hints of the adult colouration around their tails or shoulders as they mature into adulthood.
Their diet consists mainly of insects which they catch while flitting through air like tiny darts.
This stunning species can be found anywhere from woodlands to urban parks so keep your eyes peeled for these delightful creatures on your next outdoor adventure.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Polioptilidae |
| Genus | Polioptila |
| Species | P. caerulea |
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18. Black-tailed gnatcatcher
The Black-tailed Gnatcatcher is a small, insectivorous bird found in the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts of North America. These birds do not migrate and can be seen year round in dry desert areas.
Described by American ornithologist George Newbold Lawrence in 1857, its scientific name (Polioptila melanura) translates to ‘black-tailed’.
It has an overall grayish brown plumage with white wingbars, black tail feathers, a long slender bill for catching insects on the fly and pale eyes lined with dark markings .
They are vocal birds that produce melodious song including trills, warbles and whistles often heard during breeding season from May through August.
The diet consists mainly of various insects such as flies , moths , beetles as well bugs which help control pest populations naturally making it an important species for our eco system.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Polioptilidae |
| Genus | Polioptila |
| Species | P. melanura |
Also Featured In: Birds that Live in the Deserts, Birds that Live in Arizona Desert
19. Red-breasted nuthatch
The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a beautiful and vocal songbird that can be found in coniferous forests across Canada, Alaska, the northeastern United States and western US.
This small bird has blue-grey upperparts with cinnamon underparts, a white throat and face with black eye stripe, straight grey bill and black crown.
Its call sounds like a tin trumpet; it's high-pitched yet nasal.
During mating season they form monogamous pairs to build their nest near tree trunks or branches at low heights off the ground where they lay 2 - 8 eggs at once.
They are very active little birds who love clinging to trees while searching for insect larvae or seeds within the bark of trees which helps control pest populations.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sittidae |
| Genus | Sitta |
| Species | S. canadensis |
20. Brown creeper
The Brown Creeper is a small songbird belonging to the Certhiidae family and is native to North America. It has brown upperparts with light spotting that resembles tree bark, as well as white underparts.
Its bill is long and thin with a slight downward curve while its tail is also long yet stiff; this helps it creep up trees.
This bird feeds mainly on insects which can be found in crevices of barks or dead plants, thanks to its curved bill which allows it access these hard-to-reach places.
When searching for food they move diagonally upwards around trunks so their camouflage blends in perfectly with the background making them difficult to spot.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Certhiidae |
| Genus | Certhia |
| Species | C. americana |
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21. Willow tit
The Willow Tit is a passerine bird belonging to the tit family, Paridae. It has grey-brown and off-white plumage with a black cap and bib.
This species is widely distributed across temperate regions of Europe, subarctic parts of Eurasia and Palearctic areas.
It usually resides in coniferous forests or adjacent habitats such as young birch woodland.
The Willow Tit prefers open stands of trees compared to its relative Marsh Tit which explains why it can be found further north than other species while still thriving successfully all year round.
Its diet consists mainly of insects but also includes seeds, nuts and berries during winter months when food sources are scarce making them very adaptable birds indeed.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Poecile |
| Species | P. montanus |
22. Marsh tit
The Marsh Tit is a small bird, measuring 12 cm long and weighing only 12 g. It has black crown and nape combined with pale cheeks, brown back as well as greyish-brown wings and tail.
There are 8 to 11 subspecies of this passerine bird in the tit family Paridae that is closely related to Willow Tit, Père David's Tit, Songar Tits.
They inhabit deciduous or mixed woods with dense undergrowth where they feed on insects along with seeds found amongst dead leaves on ground.
Their nests are built inside tree hollows lined up by feathers while its eggs have white background spotted heavily with reddish-brown markings making them easily identifiable from other birds'.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Poecile |
| Species | P. palustris |