Black-capped Chickadee

About the Black-capped Chickadee
Black-capped Chickadee

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.

Find cute products & gifts with our Birdorable Black-capped Chickadee

Details & Statistics

International Names

Related Articles

Busting a Bird Myth: Do Birds Sing Because They're Happy?

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 »

Oregon 2020 Bird Population Survey

Researchers in Oregon are working on a huge survey of birds in the state: Oregon 2020. Data from field observations is being compiled to determine the abundance and distribution of Oregon's bird species. The study in part uses data collected by citizen scientists who bird the state and...  Read more »

T-Shirt Tuesday: Cute Backyard Birds

This adorable t-shirt design features four of our Birdorable birds that are common in back yards across the United States and Canada. The birds that are perched together in this original cartoon design are: American Goldfinch,  Read more »

Fun Facts About Chickadees

Dive into the world of chickadees with these fascinating and fun facts! Known for their playful nature and delightful chirps, chickadees are more than just tiny birds flitting through your backyard. Here we go: There are seven species of chickadee in the world. Chickadees, along with titmice,...  Read more »

Cute gifts with this bird

Designs with this bird