ExploreBirds

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Poecile rufescens

The Chestnut-backed Chickadee is a small, cheerful bird with a brown back and a black cap. They love to flit around trees and are known for their sweet, chirpy calls that sound like 'chick-a-dee-dee-dee'.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Chestnut-backed Chickadee has a distinctive rufous (chestnut-brown) back, flanks, and sides, setting it apart from other chickadees. It features a solid black cap, white cheek patches, and a short black bib. Its wings and tail are gray.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyParidaeGenusPoecile
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
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Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

21

Interesting facts

In winter, they often join flocks with other bird species to search for food together!

Their name 'chickadee' comes from their characteristic 'chick-a-dee-dee-dee' alarm call.

These tiny birds can eat up to 35% of their body weight in food every single day!

They often excavate their own snug nest cavities in soft, rotting wood.

Special abilities

Ability

Memory Master

The Chestnut-backed Chickadee can remember hundreds of food hiding spots because its brain grows new cells to store memories.

Ability

Upside-Down Acrobat

This chickadee can hang upside down on branches to find hidden insects and seeds that others might miss.

Ability

Forest Communicator

The Chestnut-backed Chickadee uses a variety of complex calls to alert others to danger or find food sources.

Measurements & details

Length
11.5-13 cm
Wingspan
17-21 cm
Weight
0.0085-0.0125 kg
Lifespan
2-7 years
Top Speed
40 km/h
Clutch Size
5-9
Incubation
11-14 days
Migration Distance
0 km

Diet & Feeding

These small birds enjoy a diverse menu of insects, spiders, and seeds from coniferous trees.

Primary Foods

  • Caterpillars
  • Aphids
  • Spiders
  • Conifer seeds
  • Small berries

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Chestnut-backed Chickadee?

The easiest way to identify Chestnut-backed Chickadee is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Chestnut-backed Chickadee?

11.5-13 cm

What is Chestnut-backed Chickadee's wingspan?

17-21 cm

How much does Chestnut-backed Chickadee weigh?

0.0085-0.0125 kg

How long does Chestnut-backed Chickadee live?

2-7 years

How fast can Chestnut-backed Chickadee move?

40 km/h

What does Chestnut-backed Chickadee eat?

These small birds enjoy a diverse menu of insects, spiders, and seeds from coniferous trees.

Where is Chestnut-backed Chickadee usually found?

Forests

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