black capped chickadee

1. Bird Name
The bird is commonly known as the Black-capped Chickadee, with the scientific name Poecile atricapillus.

2. Appearance
This small, nimble bird possesses a striking black cap and bib, a distinctive feature recognized in its name. The rest of the underparts exhibit a soft buff to white color. Its back, wings, and tail are primarily a grayish to olive-green hue, with white edges to the secondary feathers. The Black-capped Chickadee has a round body, a large head for its size, and a short beak; perfect for cracking open seeds. Both males and females share similarly enticing patterns and markings, making it difficult to distinguish between the two. The bird’s eyes are black, which may appear intriguing against its stark black cap.

3. Size
The Black-capped Chickadee measures about 12 to 15 cm from beak to tail, with a wingspan of 16 to 21 cm. As for its weight, the chickadee remains quite light, typically weighing around 9 to 14 grams.

4. Habitat & Distribution
The Black-capped Chickadee is native to North America and inhabits the entire northern half of the US, along with most of Canada. The bird has an affinity for deciduous and mixed forests, gardens, swamps, and shrubbies, but it seems to adapt well to various environments, including urban and suburban areas. Normally, chickadees don’t migrate, though in extreme winters, they have been known to move south within their range.

5. Interesting Facts
One intriguing fact about Black-capped Chickadees is their vast memory. They can remember thousands of hiding places for their food. While equally incredible, their song can change depending on geographical region, with distinct dialects observed across different populations. They bravely defend their nests against larger intruders and may even mob predators.

6. Diet
This bird primarily feeds on a diet of seeds, insects, and berries. Insects are mostly consumed during the summer, providing much-needed protein for growth, and seeds and berries fulfill dietary needs during the harsh winter months.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Black capped chickadees are esteemed for their acrobatic flight and energetic nature. They can be seen zipping through the air and even hanging upside down while foraging for food. The bird’s song is rhythmic and consistent, typically described as a clear, two-note song that sounds like ‘fee-bee.’ Their call, ‘chick-a-dee-dee-dee’ is where they derive their common name.

8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Black-capped Chickadee is presently categorized as being of least concern, due to its extensive range and stable population.

9. Lifespan
In the wild, Black-capped Chickadees typically live up to 1.5 – 2.5 years, but they can live longer; the oldest recorded wild Black-capped Chickadee lived for almost 13 years. Their lifespan increases in captivity and such examples have been known to live over 10 years in controlled environments.

10. Additional Notes
The role of the Black-capped Chickadee in an ecosystem is essential – they control insect populations, and their nests provide homes for other animals. They are also an important source of food for predators. These birds are often welcoming of human interaction, frequently visiting bird feeders in parks and gardens. This charming bird is known as ‘Mésange à tête noire’ in French and ‘carbonero cabecinegro’ in Spanish.