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ExploreBirds

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

The Black-capped Chickadee is a small, friendly bird with a black cap and a white face. They love to visit backyards and are known for their cheerful chirping!

Habitat: Woodlands and gardens

Appearance

The Black-capped Chickadee is a small, plump bird with a distinctive black cap and bib, contrasting with bright white cheeks. Its back is soft gray, and its sides are a buffy or yellowish-tan. This color pattern clearly distinguishes it from other small songbirds.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyParidaeGenusPoecile
Black-capped Chickadee
wildlife trait badgefeathered trait badgesocial trait badgesinging trait badge
Black-capped Chickadee

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

135

Interesting facts

A chickadee can hang completely upside down from a branch to find tiny insects or seeds!

Chickadees will mob and harass predators like owls to drive them away from their territory!

Their brain's memory center actually grows larger each autumn, ready for winter food hiding!

They often sleep tucked inside a cozy tree cavity, keeping them safe and warm from predators!

Special abilities

Ability

Memory Masters

Black-capped Chickadee can remember thousands of food hiding spots, helping them find meals even when snow covers the ground.

Ability

Winter Warmth

Black-capped Chickadee can shiver intensely to raise its body temperature by 10-12 degrees Celsius, keeping warm on freezing nights.

Ability

Energy Saver

Black-capped Chickadee has the ability to lower its body temperature (torpor) to save energy on very cold nights.

Ability

Language Experts

Black-capped Chickadee can communicate complex information through its 'chick-a-dee-dee-dee' alarm call, with more 'dees' indicating greater danger.

Measurements & details

Length
12-15 cm
Wingspan
16-21 cm
Weight
0.009-0.014 kg
Lifespan
2-12 years
Speed
40 km/h
Clutch Size
6-8
Incubation
12-13 days
Migration Distance
500 km

Diet & Feeding

These tiny birds are omnivores, feasting on a mix of tasty insects, spiders, seeds, and juicy berries.

Primary Foods

  • insects
  • spiders
  • seeds
  • berries
  • suet

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Eaten by

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

A swift predator that ambushes chickadees for a meal.

Eaten by

Barred Owl

Strix varia

These nocturnal hunters can catch chickadees sleeping in their roosts.

Shelter

Quaking Aspen

Populus tremuloides

Chickadees nest in natural cavities found in aspen trees.

Hunts

Spruce Budworm

Choristoneura fumiferana

Chickadees help control populations of this destructive forest pest.

Hunts

Deer Tick

Ixodes scapularis

They have been observed eating ticks, potentially helping reduce tick populations.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Chickadees are friendly and safe to watch from a distance. Always be gentle and quiet around them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Black-capped Chickadee?

Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How long is Black-capped Chickadee?

12-15 cm

What is Black-capped Chickadee's wingspan?

16-21 cm

How much does Black-capped Chickadee weigh?

0.009-0.014 kg

How long does Black-capped Chickadee live?

2-12 years

How fast can Black-capped Chickadee move?

40 km/h

What does Black-capped Chickadee eat?

These tiny birds are omnivores, feasting on a mix of tasty insects, spiders, seeds, and juicy berries.

Where is Black-capped Chickadee usually found?

Woodlands and gardens

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

Where to spot

Algonquin Provincial Park place preview
State Park18 sightings50 species

Ontario, CA

Algonquin Provincial Park

Black Bears and Camping

You might spot Canada Jay, American Beaver, and Black-Capped Chickadee.

View guide →

Arnold Arboretum place preview
Botanical Garden43 sightings50 species

Massachusetts, US

Arnold Arboretum

Botanical Garden, Urban Oasis, Research Institution, Historic Landmark, Free Admission, Walking Trails, Wildlife Viewing, Horticultural Collections, Wheelchair Accessible, Family Friendly.

You might spot Eastern Cottontail and American Robin.

View guide →

Berry Botanic Garden place preview
Botanical Garden40 sightings50 species

Oregon, US

Berry Botanic Garden

Alpine Plants and Botanical Garden (historical)

You might spot Duck, Pacific Trillium, and Wood Duck.

View guide →

Chenango Canal place preview
Historic Site43 sightings50 species

New York, US

Chenango Canal

Biking and Family Friendly

You might spot American White Waterlily, Buttonbush, and Common Milkweed.

View guide →

Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park place preview
Park46 sightings50 species

Washington, US

Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park

Family Friendly Trails and Forest Bathing

You might spot Pacific Banana Slug and Oregon Forestsnail.

View guide →

Derryfield Park place preview
Park46 sightings50 species

New Hampshire, US

Derryfield Park

Hiking, Family Friendly, Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching, Historical Site, Playground, Sports Facilities, Dog Friendly, Cross Country Running, Wheelchair Accessible

You might spot Eastern White Pine, Eastern Skunk Cabbage, and Duck.

View guide →

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