A bird wearing a helmet? That's a Chickadee
The Black Capped Chickadee is a small bird known for its distinctive appearance and cheerful demeanor. If there was a bird that could be described as hyperactive this particular species would be high on that list! The chickadee reportedly gets its name from its song that sounds exactly like it is pronounced : chick-a-dee-dee. This is a alarm cry and the more "dees" in the song the more dangerous the predator or situation. Interestingly other species of birds will also take note of the alarm cry.
What do Chickadees Look Like?
Chickadees are small birds with a round body, short wings, and a long tail. They have a black cap and bib, white cheeks, and a gray back. Their underparts are usually a soft beige or buff color, making them easy to spot in the wild. The crown of the big head is usually a dark black making it look it is wearing a helmet.
Habitat Range
Chickadees can be found throughout North America, with different species inhabiting various regions. They are commonly found in forests, woodlands, and suburban areas with plenty of trees and shrubs for nesting and foraging. So basically anywhere in North America. The Black Capped Chickadees range is throughout the northern half of the United States into the southern half of Canada.
Mating Rituals
The chickadee mating ritual is not nearly as elaborate as some birds and consists mostly of the males chasing females around.
Where do Chickadees Nest?
Chickadees build their nests in tree cavities, birdhouses, or nest boxes. They use items such as moss, bark, feathers, and fur to create a cozy and secure home for their eggs. Some studies have found chickadees preferred nest boxes that have sawdust in them over ones that don’t.
How Long is the Chickadee Reproduction Cycle?
The reproduction cycle of chickadees typically lasts from early spring to mid-summer. Female chickadees lay a clutch of eggs, which hatch after about 12-14 days. The chicks then fledge the nest after another 16-18 days.
Squirreldee ?
Chickadees are omnivores and have a varied diet that includes insects, seeds, berries, and nuts. They are known for their acrobatic foraging skills, often hanging upside down to extract insects from tree bark. During fall Chickadees will cache food for later consumption in HUNDREDS of locations and they are quite good at remembering where their caches are! Each spring they "delete" and clear their memory space just to repeat the process in the fall.
How do You Attract Chickadees?
To attract chickadees to your yard, provide them with a variety of food sources such as sunflower seeds, suet, and mealworms. Planting native trees and shrubs will also attract insects for the chickadees to feed on. Chickadees will also eat suet or peanut butter offered at a bird feeder but they are unlikely to hang around for long due to their habit of storing food.
The next time you see a small bird that appears to be wearing a black helmet take some time to appreciate the Black Capped Chickadee. If your lucky it might even share some of its sweet songs with you!