Black-capped Chickadee
Image: yudansha1201 (cc-by-nc)
NameBlack-capped Chickadee
Common NameBlack-capped Chickadee
Scientific NamePoecile atricapillus
FamilyParidae
Wingspan (cm)18.5
Length (cm)13.5
Weight (g)11.5
Plumage DetailsFeatures a distinctive black cap and bib, contrasting with bright white cheeks. The back and wings are gray, while the underparts are whitish with buffy or rusty flanks.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its namesake 'chick-a-dee-dee-dee' call, which can vary in urgency and number of 'dee' notes. It also has a clear, whistled 'fee-bee' or 'fee-bee-bee' song.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsdeciduous forest, mixed forest, woodland, suburban areas, parks, gardens
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across Canada and the northern half of the United States, extending south into the Appalachian Mountains and west to Alaska.
Identifying Featuresblack cap, black bib, white cheeks, gray back, chick-a-dee-dee-dee call, small size, active foraging
Description
The Black-capped Chickadee is a small, active songbird known for its distinctive black cap and bib. These acrobatic birds are often seen flitting through trees and shrubs, foraging for insects and seeds, and are a common sight in northern woodlands and suburban areas.
