Mexican Chickadee
NameMexican Chickadee
Common NameMexican Chickadee
Scientific NamePoecile sclateri
FamilyParidae
Wingspan (cm)20
Length (cm)13
Weight (g)10.5
Plumage DetailsFeatures a solid black cap extending to the nape, bright white cheeks, and a large black bib. The back and wings are gray, while the underparts are whitish, often with buffy or brownish flanks.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a clear, whistled 'fee-bee-bee' song and a variety of 'chick-a-dee-dee-dee' calls, which are typically higher-pitched and faster than those of other chickadee species.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangePrimarily found in the high-elevation coniferous and pine-oak forests of Mexico, with its northernmost range extending into the 'sky island' mountain ranges of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico in the United States.
Identifying FeaturesBlack cap and large black bib, White cheeks, Gray back and wings, Buffy flanks, Small size, Distinctive whistled song
Description
The Mexican Chickadee is a small, active songbird characterized by its distinctive black cap and bib contrasting with white cheeks. It forages acrobatically in coniferous forests, often in mixed-species flocks, and is known for its energetic movements and vocalizations.
