Black-capped Chickadee
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Cephas" title="User:Cephas">Cephas</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
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 prominent black cap extending to the nape and a black bib under the chin, sharply contrasted by bright white cheeks. The back and wings are gray, while the underparts are whitish, often with buffy or brownish flanks.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its distinctive 'chick-a-dee-dee-dee' call, which gives the bird its name. It also has a clear, whistled 'fee-bee' or 'fee-bee-bee' song.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsdeciduous forest, mixed forest, coniferous forest, woodland, suburban gardens, parks
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across most of Canada and the northern two-thirds of the United States, extending south into the Appalachian Mountains.
Identifying Featuresblack cap, white cheeks, black bib, small size, active and acrobatic behavior, distinctive 'chick-a-dee' call
Description
This small, active songbird is easily recognized by its distinctive black cap and bib, contrasting with bright white cheeks. It is a curious and acrobatic feeder, often seen hanging upside down while foraging for insects and seeds.
