Discover the diverse array of Chickadee species that can be observed in Colorado through captivating photo identifications, detailed descriptions, enchanting audio recordings of their melodious tunes, fascinating trivia, and more.
Chickadees, those bustling and melodious avian creatures, dart around in search of insects while joyfully gracing backyard feeders. Belonging to the Poecile family of birds, these delightful songbirds encompass only seven distinct species of Chickadee, all of which thrive in the wondrous landscapes of North America.
Colorado, a year-round sanctuary, offers sightings of two splendid Chickadee species: the Black-capped Chickadee and the Mountain Chickadee.
Unlike migratory birds, Chickadees may descend to lower altitudes during winter while steadfastly resisting the urge to migrate. To brave the chilly winter months, scientific studies have revealed that Chickadees strategically hoard food, seek refuge in cozy cavities, and enter a regulated state of nocturnal hypothermia, conserving precious energy.
Chickadees possess an insatiable appetite, owing to their elevated body temperature, compelling them to consume an amount of food equivalent to their own weight each day!
Regrettably, Chickadees seldom enjoy lengthy lifespans. Typically, they live for only about two to three years, with some fortunate individuals surpassing the twelve-year mark.
Distinguishing between male and female Chickadees can pose a challenge since they share an almost identical appearance. However, males showcase their vocal prowess by emitting the resounding ‘Fee Bee’ song.
Insects and seeds form the staple diet of Chickadees, who often grace backyard feeders in search of seeds and suet. If you wish to explore the myriad other avian species regularly visiting Colorado, obtain a complimentary identification chart.
This comprehensive guide functions as a valuable resource for identifying the various Chickadee species present in Colorado. It leverages avibase data and assimilates information contributed by avid bird watchers on ebird, presenting authentic insights regarding the optimal periods for encountering these delightful birds.
The Chickadee Realm in Colorado:
1. Black-capped Chickadee
Throughout the year, Black-capped Chickadees grace the landscapes of Colorado, predominantly favoring the western regions. These enchanting creatures feature in approximately 23% of summer checklists and 35% of winter checklists submitted by diligent bird watchers residing in the state.
Black-capped Chickadees exhibit endearing traits, boasting rounded heads atop petite bodies. Their curious nature drives them to investigate every nook and cranny, including their human counterparts!
Sporting black caps, beaks, and throats, accentuated by white cheeks, their backs, wings, and tails exhibit shades of gray. The bellies display a lighter hue, lending a captivating contrast. Strikingly similar in appearance to Carolina Chickadees, they effortlessly captivate onlookers.
Poecile atricapillus
Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz (9-14 g)
Wingspan: 6.3-8.3 in (16-21 cm)
Black-capped Chickadees abstain from migration, enchanting observers throughout the northern reaches of the United States and Canada.
These delightful creatures frequent forests, open woodlands, and parks, savoring a diet encompassing seeds, berries, insects, spiders, and suet.
Black-capped Chickadee Call/Song:
Acknowledgments: Matt Wistrand, XC554222. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/554222.
Black-capped Chickadees predominantly nest within abandoned woodpecker nests, although they may craft their own cavities within decaying branches. Both male and female Chickadees share the responsibility of constructing the nest, with the female meticulously lining it with moss and subsequently adding softer materials, such as fur.
During their breeding season, Black-capped Chickadees lay clutches of eggs, occasionally numbering up to thirteen. The incubation period spans approximately two weeks, while the fledglings remain within the nest for an additional two weeks before venturing into the world.
To entice Black-capped Chickadees to your backyard, offer delectable suet, sunflower seeds, peanuts, or peanut butter. They may even grace you with their presence, feeding directly from your hand, often becoming the pioneers in discovering new feeding stations. Nest boxes, filled with wood shavings, also attract their attention.
Fun fact: Black-capped Chickadees possess remarkable brains that discard obsolete information, allowing old neurons to perish, while welcoming new neurons and knowledge each year.
2. Mountain Chickadee
Mountain Chickadees, year-round inhabitants of Colorado, primarily inhabit the western regions. These charming birds feature in approximately 11% of summer checklists and 15% of winter checklists.
Mountain Chickadees boast diminutive frames, adorned with black-and-white heads. Gray plumage drapes their bodies, with darker shades enveloping the backs and lighter gray hues embellishing their underbellies.
Poecile gambeli
Length: 4.3-5.5 in (11-14 cm)
Weight: 0.4 oz (11 g)
Mountain Chickadees inhabit the mountainous regions of the western United States throughout the year, defying migratory instincts. During winter, however, they may descend to lower elevations, seeking refuge in these areas.
Evergreen forests, especially those abundant in pine and coniferous trees, serve as favored habitats for Mountain Chickadees. In their pursuit of sustenance, they relish insects, spiders, nuts, and seeds, frequently gracing backyard feeders. These resourceful birds possess a knack for hoarding food, meticulously storing it for future consumption.
Acknowledgments: Richard E. Webster, XC619853. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/619853.
Mountain Chickadees typically occupy old nesting holes created by woodpeckers and nuthatches. The female diligently lines the cavity with fur, skillfully concealing her eggs whenever she departs. Clutches of up to nine eggs undergo an incubation period of around two weeks, followed by an additional three weeks before the young venture beyond the nest.
To allure Mountain Chickadees to your premises, erect nest boxes within their sight, and fill them with enticing offerings such as black oil sunflower seeds, mealworms, nyjer, suet, and peanut butter.
Fun fact: Mountain Chickadee eggs experience an incubation period 50% longer than eggs of other Chickadee species. This elongated duration is attributed to the protective qualities of their chosen nesting sites, often repurposed woodpecker nests, as well as the female’s meticulous egg-covering routine during her brief departures.
Attracting Chickadees to Your Backyard
Observing Chickadees diligently foraging for sustenance is an absolute delight. If you aspire to invite more of these captivating avian creatures to grace your yard, follow these strategies:
1. Provide an array of feeders, stocked with enticing offerings such as black oil sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds, suet, or peanuts.
2. Accommodate various feeder types, including tube feeders, suet cages, or platform feeders.
3. Establish a water source, ideally a birdbath equipped with flowing water, to quench their thirst.
4. Cultivate berry-producing trees and shrubs that entice insects, creating a rich ecosystem.
5. Abstain from employing pesticides or herbicides, as Chickadees rely on insects for sustenance.
6. Offer shelter by planting an assortment of trees and shrubs, providing a safe haven.
7. Install nest boxes featuring small 1 1/8-inch entrance holes, ideally elevated 5 to 15 feet above the ground.
8. Ensure the safety of Chickadees by keeping cats indoors.
9. Exercise patience, as it may take time for the birds to discover your yard and feeders.
Chickadee Melodies and Calls
Chickadees have earned acclaim for their distinctive vocalizations, epitomized by their namesake “chick a dee” call. Interestingly, this call serves as a mild alarm or contact call, while their actual song takes the form of a melodious “fee bee” sound.
Chickadee Sounds:
1. Fee-bee
Produced exclusively by males
The first note boasts a higher pitch compared to the second
Males position themselves apart from other males while singing
Acknowledgments: Matt Wistrand, XC554222. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/554222.
2. Faint Fee-bee
Produced by both males and females
Females employ this call to summon the male for feeding while incubating
Used for communication between parents and offspring
3. Chick-a-dee call
Serves as a mild alarm call
Facilitates contact within flocks
Coordinates movement among flock members
Acknowledgments: GABRIEL LEITE, XC420822. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/420822.
4. Gargle
Comprises a series of two to nine concise notes
Signifies a warning when individuals encroach upon the personal space of others in flocks or near feeders
Precedes potential aggression to prompt distancing
Acknowledgments: Todd Wilson, XC42956. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/42956.
5. Begging Call
Young Chickadees emit bee-like calls to beckon their parents for nourishment
Acknowledgments: Tayler Brooks, XC36609. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/36609.
6. High Seet Call
Functions as an alarm call in response to predator presence
Acknowledgments: Tayler Brooks, XC35305. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/35305.
Frequency of Chickadee Sightings in Colorado during Summer and Winter
Checklists serve as invaluable resources, offering insights into the prevalence of bird species within your state. These comprehensive records reveal the frequency of Chickadee sightings during summer and winter in Colorado, as reported on ebird.
Chickadees in Colorado during Summer:
Black-capped Chickadee: 23.2%
Mountain Chickadee: 11.6%
Chickadees in Colorado during Winter:
Black-capped Chickadee: 35.5%
Mountain Chickadee: 15.0%