Bushtit
NameBushtit
Common NameBushtit
Scientific NamePsaltriparus minimus
FamilyAegithalidae
Wingspan (cm)12
Length (cm)10.5
Weight (g)5.5
Plumage DetailsOverall dull grayish-brown plumage, paler on the belly. They have a relatively long tail for their tiny body. The head is typically plain brown, with dark beady eyes and a very short, stubby dark bill. Some subspecies or sexes may have darker ear patches.
Vocalization / CallHigh-pitched, thin, lisping 'tsit' or 'tsee' notes, often given in a continuous, soft chatter by a foraging flock. They also have a rapid, trilling call.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in western North America, from southwestern British Columbia south through the western United States and into central Mexico.
Identifying Featurestiny size, plain gray-brown plumage, long tail, dark beady eyes, short stubby bill, highly social, often in large flocks, acrobatic foraging behavior
Description
The Bushtit is a tiny, highly active songbird often seen in large, chattering flocks. They constantly glean insects and spiders from foliage, hanging upside down with acrobatic skill. Their small size and drab plumage make them easily overlooked individually, but their social behavior makes flocks conspicuous.
