Tufted Titmouse
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Common Name: Tufted Titmouse
Class: Aves
Order:
Passeriformes
Family: Paridae
Genus: Baeolophus
Species:
Baeolophus bicolor
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photo Ivan Andrijevic |
Taxonomy/Description
As their name suggests, Tufted Titmice have a mouse grey
color to their back, wings, and head. On their head, they have a crest that
is displayed when excited. They have small faces with white cheeks, large
black eyes, and adults have black foreheads. Their chests and bellies are
also white, and their flanks show a rusty tint.
photo Ivan Andrijevic
Habitat/Diet
Tufted Titmice are year round inhabitants of the eastern half
of the United States and their range is slowly growing northward. They
inhabit mostly deciduous forests where there are many different species of
trees with dense canopies. They nest in tree cavities, usually those made
by woodpeckers. Their diet consists of many different types of seeds and
insects. The majority of their food includes caterpillars, bees, wasps, and
beetles.
photo Ivan Andrijevic
Behavior/Reproduction
Tufted Titmice form monogamous pairs, usually for over one
year, but can often be seen in groups of three. This is because many times,
young birds will stay with one or both of their parents through the winter
and for the next breeding season to help care for siblings. During the
breeding season, and beginning when a pair begins looking for a nesting
site, the male feeds the female. This continues until incubation is over.
Females will lay as many as nine eggs, with an average of five to six. The
nestlings are usually ready to leave after the 15th day. During
winter, very small flocks are formed, usually between two to five birds.
Each flock usually consists of at least one pair that had previously mated,
and sometimes their offspring from that season as well. Each flock always
has as many or more males compared to females. Tufted Titmice are loyal to
their flocks and flocks therefore become territorial. Any intruders are
chased away, most often by the male(s) of the flock.
photo Ivan Andrijevic
Where to see them in WNY
It is said that Tufted Titmice will spend the summer foraging
higher in trees than in fall, and also are more likely to be on the outside
of the branch. They do however spend much of their time foraging on the
ground as well. They are active birds, so you will probably spot them as
they jump from limb to limb, tree to tree, and if they are on the ground,
hopping around the forest floor. Titmice will also come to feeders to eat
seed.