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Bird Bio - Black-capped Chickadee
Common Name:
Black-capped Chickadee
Scientific Name:
Parus atricpillus
Description:
The Black-capped Chhickadee is 5-1/4" with buff sides, white cheeks, and a black cap and bib.
Lifecycle:
Secondary cavity nesters, chickadees will nest primarily in trees, or use nest boxes. Nests are made from mosses lined with animal hair or fur. Females lay 6-8 eggs that are white with fine, reddish dots. Incubation lasts 12-13 days, and fledglings are ready to leave the nest after about 16 days. Black-capped Chickadees raise on brood per season.
Habitat/Food:
The Black-capped Chickadee can be found year-round in Canada and in the northern half of the U.S. They make their homes in mixed and deciduous woods, willow groves, thickets and shade trees, but will live in suburbs provided nest sites are readily available.
Black-capped Chickadees feed mostly on insects (91% in Summer; 47% in Winter), along with seeds and berries. They will eat from backyard feeders, preferable when offered sunflower seeds and/or suet.
The Black-capped Chickadee is a welcome addition to your backyard habitat and has no known predators.