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 prominent black cap and bib, contrasting with bright white cheeks. The back and wings are gray, while the underparts are whitish with buffy flanks.
Vocalization / CallFamous for its clear, whistled 'fee-bee' song and its namesake 'chick-a-dee-dee-dee' call, which can vary in urgency and number of 'dee' notes.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsdeciduous forest, mixed forest, woodland, parks, suburban areas, riparian zones
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across most of Canada and the northern half of the United States, extending south into the Appalachian Mountains.
Identifying FeaturesBlack cap and bib, White cheeks, Small size, Acrobatic foraging behavior, Distinctive 'chick-a-dee-dee-dee' call
Description
The Black-capped Chickadee is a small, active songbird known for its distinctive black cap and bib, and white cheeks. They are highly acrobatic, often hanging upside down while foraging for insects and seeds in trees and shrubs.
