Taxonomy/Description
The Black-capped Chickadee
is a small bird, no bigger than 6 inches, with a small black bill. It has a
pale whitish chest with buffy flanks. Like the other Chickadee’s of the
east, it has white cheeks and a black bib. To distinguish the Black-capped
Chickadee from the Boreal Chickadee, note its black cap and grayish wings
and back (the Boreal Chickadee has a brown cap and brown wings).
photo Ivan Andrijevic
However,
the Carolina Chickadee also displays a black cap and grayish back, so the
larger wing bars of the Black-capped Chickadee must be seen. Otherwise,
locality and voice may be used to distinguish the two. They can be
distinguished from all other Chickadees by range alone.
Habitat/Diet
The Black-capped
Chickadee’s range stretches the Northern half of the United States from
coast to coast, as well as almost all of Canada. They live in these areas
year round. The Black-capped Chickadee has developed incredible adaptations
to survive the cold winters in these areas. This includes the ability to
lower their body temperature to save energy, and hiding food with the
capability of finding it later on thanks to a great memory.
photo Ivan Andrijevic
In the winter
months, half of the Black-capped Chickadee’s food is made up of insects,
spiders, and other animal material. The other half of their food at this
time is plant material, like seeds and berries. During the summer, around
90% of their diet is made up of animal, mostly caterpillars, but also
spiders, snails, slugs, and other insects. The other 10% is mostly berries,
like honeysuckle, blackberries, and blueberries.
Behavior/Reproduction
The Black-capped Chickadee
is seldom territorial towards other species and will set up breeding
territories with mate in spring. Mating pairs usually have boundaries set 5
to 7 weeks before egg laying begins. In winter, Black-capped Chickadees
form flocks and a dominance hierarchy is developed within each flock. Males
usually rank above females, as older birds rank above younger. At times,
non-breeding flocks can include other species, especially other parids where
the range occurs. Pair bonds between Chickadees will usually last for years
before divorce or fatality breaks them. Eggs are usually laid within a day
of nest completion. The building of the nest, as well as incubation of the
eggs, is done entirely by the female.
Where to see them in WNY
Black Capped Chickadees can
be found in mixed woodland areas, especially on the edges of these areas.
They nest in cavities, like old woodpecker holes, and can often be found in
snags or rotten branches. They will also come to feeders to eat suet or
sunflower seeds.