Discover the myriad species of Chickadees that grace the scenic landscapes of Manitoba, accompanied by captivating photo IDs, enchanting descriptions, melodious audio recordings of their songs, intriguing tidbits, and so much more!
Chickadees, those lively little songsters, flutter about tirelessly in their quest for insects, readily frequenting backyard feeders with their charming presence. Belonging to the esteemed Poecile avian family, these delightful birds number just seven species, all of which call North America home.
Behold, within the confines of Manitoba, lie two distinguished types of chickadees awaiting your gaze. Most ubiquitous among them are the Black-capped Chickadees, their presence punctuating the wilderness, while the enchanting Boreal Chickadees, though less common, also grace the region with their appearance.
While chickadees do not embark on migratory journeys, they might venture to lower altitudes during the frigid winter months. In order to endure the chill, scientific studies have revealed their remarkable strategies of food caching, roosting in hollows, and entering a state of regulated nocturnal hypothermia to conserve energy.
With their soaring body temperatures, chickadees possess an insatiable appetite, devouring sustenance equivalent to their own weight each day!
Regrettably, the lifespan of these delightful creatures is relatively brief, spanning a mere two to three years, with some individuals reaching just a solitary year of adulthood, their breeding season fleeting. However, accounts do exist of chickadees defying the odds, persevering for a remarkable twelve years.
Distinguishing male from female chickadees proves a daunting task, as their appearance remains strikingly similar, save for one significant distinction—the mellifluous serenade of the ‘Fee-bee’ song resonating solely from the male contingent.
Insects and seeds comprise the dietary preferences of these charismatic birds, often leading them to visit backyard feeders in pursuit of delectable seeds or luscious suet. Delve further into the realm of Manitoba’s avian guests, discovering a myriad of other captivating backyard birds, all via a complimentary identification chart.
This indispensable guide shall serve as your compass, assisting in the identification of various Chickadee species adorning the picturesque landscapes of Manitoba. Drawing insights from the esteemed resources of Avibase and the invaluable data contributed by avid birdwatchers on eBird, rest assured that the information presented here is resoundingly authentic, revealing optimal moments for bird sightings.
Let us embark on a riveting exploration of the two Chickadee species that grace the bountiful lands of Manitoba:
1. Black-capped Chickadee
Residing year-round within Manitoba’s borders, the Black-capped Chickadees stand as stalwart inhabitants. While their winter presence seems more pronounced, primarily due to the absence of other avian brethren during this season, they eagerly flock to feeders.
Migration remains a distant concept for these endearing creatures, featured in approximately 26% of summer checklists and a significant 62% of winter checklists meticulously compiled by attentive birdwatchers throughout the province.
Adorned with plump, round heads and dainty bodies, the Black-capped Chickadees exude an undeniable charm, harmoniously sharing their company with backyard feeders while inquisitively exploring their surroundings, including curious encounters with humans!
Sporting black-capped crowns, beaks, and throats, these feathered marvels flaunt white cheeks and exhibit shades of gray on their backs, wings, and tails. Their bellies boast a lighter hue, further enhancing their charismatic appeal. In fact, they bear a striking resemblance to the Carolina Chickadees.
Species: 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)
Intriguingly, the Black-capped Chickadees forego migration, making appearances in the northern realms of both the United States and Canada.
Their favored abodes encompass forests, open woodlands, and parks, where they indulge in a delectable medley of seeds, berries, insects, spiders, and suet.
To captivate the essence of their melodious calls and songs, we extend our gratitude to Matt Wistrand for his contributions. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/554222.
When it comes to nesting, Black-capped Chickadees typically repurpose old woodpecker nests, while occasionally fashioning their own cavities within decaying branches. Both male and female contribute to the construction of the nest, with the female meticulously lining it with moss, followed by softer materials like fur.
Remarkably, they lay clutches of up to thirteen eggs, requiring approximately two weeks for incubation and an additional fortnight before the young take flight from the nest.
To attract the enchanting presence of Black-capped Chickadees within your backyard, consider offering suet, sunflower seeds, peanuts, or peanut butter. Astonishingly, these charismatic avians may even partake of nourishment from your hand, often being among the first to discover newly established feeding stations. Should you choose to provide nest boxes, filling them with wood shavings will undoubtedly pique their interest.
A fascinating fact to contemplate: Black-capped Chickadees possess remarkable brains, annually discarding outdated neural connections to make room for new neurons and accompanying knowledge.
2. Boreal Chickadee
While not as abundant within Manitoba’s domain, the captivating Boreal Chickadees occasionally grace the region with their presence throughout the year, accounting for a mere 2% of summer and winter checklists.
These diminutive, grayish-brown songbirds don dark brown caps, adorned with small black bibs, cinnamon-hued sides, and pristine white underbellies and cheeks.
Species: Poecile hudsonicus
Length: 4.9-5.5 in (12.5-14 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (7-12.4 g)
Thriving in the Canadian and Alaskan realms, Boreal Chickadees occasionally venture into the northern reaches of certain U.S. states.
Their preferred habitats consist predominantly of coniferous forests, often in proximity to water sources, although deciduous or mixed forests also occasionally house these alluring creatures. With deftness, they navigate the upper reaches of the canopy, feasting upon seeds and insects, and readily pay visits to backyard feeders.
To immerse yourself in the delightful vocalizations of Boreal Chickadees, we extend our gratitude to Ken Hall for his contributions. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/511286.
When it comes to nesting, Boreal Chickadees typically seek solace within deceased trees, where the diligent female proceeds to carve out a suitable cavity. Employing a blend of moss and bark, she diligently lines the cavity, adorning it with softer materials such as hair and feathers. The ensuing clutch consists of up to nine eggs, which require slightly over two weeks of incubation before the fledglings emerge into the world.
To beckon the presence of Boreal Chickadees within your very own backyard, consider tantalizing them with black oil sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds, suet, peanuts, and mealworms, thoughtfully presented across a diverse array of feeders. Erecting a nesting box might also prove enticing to a potential mating pair.
A captivating tidbit to ponder: Boreal Chickadees exhibit an innate penchant for storing seeds and insects, ensuring their sustenance during the lengthy and rigorous winter months.
Inviting Chickadees to Frequent Your Backyard
Observing the delightful bustle of Chickadees as they diligently procure sustenance presents a wondrous spectacle. To attract a greater number of these endearing avian companions to your abode, consider implementing the following measures:
1. Provide feeders generously stocked with black oil sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds, suet, or peanuts.
2. Accommodate their feeding preferences by utilizing an assortment of feeders, such as tube feeders, suet cages, or platform feeders.
3. Cultivate a water source, preferably a birdbath equipped with a gentle flow of running water.
4. Foster an environment conducive to insect activity by planting trees and shrubs that bear berries, alluring these vital creatures.
5. Refrain from employing pesticides or herbicides, recognizing that Chickadees derive sustenance from the insects they consume.
6. Furnish shelter by planting a variety of trees and shrubs, providing a safe haven for these delightful birds.
7. Introduce nesting boxes boasting small holes measuring 1 1/8 inches in diameter, optimally positioned 5 to 15 feet above ground level.
8. Ensure the safety of these avian visitors by keeping domestic cats confined indoors.
9. Exercise patience, as it may take time for birds to discover your backyard haven and feeding stations.
The Symphonies of Chickadees: Songs and Calls
Chickadees have rightfully earned acclaim for their charming “chick-a-dee” calls, although this particular vocalization serves as a mild alarm or contact call. Surprisingly, their actual song manifests as a delightful “fee bee” melody.
Immerse yourself in the rich repertoire of Chickadee sounds:
1. Fee-bee
This enchanting tune is exclusively produced by male Chickadees, characterized by a first note of higher pitch compared to the subsequent note. Males naturally distance themselves from their counterparts while serenading.
Credit: Matt Wistrand, XC554222. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/554222.
2. Faint Fee-bee
Both males and females contribute to this delicate vocalization. Females employ it as a beckoning call, summoning the male to provide sustenance while she remains engaged in the noble task of incubation. It also serves as a form of communication between parents and their young.
3. Chick-a-dee call
Embodying a mild alarm call, the Chick-a-dee vocalization aids in flock coordination and facilitates communication among its members.
Credit: GABRIEL LEITE, XC420822. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/420822.
4. Gargle
This distinct call consists of a series of two to nine short notes, employed to warn other birds to maintain a respectful distance at feeders or within flocks. A gentle warning precedes potential confrontations, encouraging the offending party to retreat.
Credit: Todd Wilson, XC42956. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/42956.
5. Begging Call
Young chickadees resort to bee-like calls to signal their hunger, enticing their parents to provide nourishment.
Credit: Tayler Brooks, XC36609. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/36609.
6. High Seet Call
When predators encroach upon their surroundings, Chickadees emit the piercing High Seet Call as an alarm, warning their comrades of impending danger.
Credit: Tayler Brooks, XC35305.
Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/35305.
The Frequency of Chickadee Sightings in Manitoba: Summer and Winter
For comprehensive insight into the frequency of Chickadee sightings within Manitoba, peruse the following data derived from checklists compiled by devoted birdwatchers on eBird:
Chickadees in Manitoba during Summer:
– Black-capped Chickadee: 26.6%
– Boreal Chickadee: 1.8%
Chickadees in Manitoba during Winter:
– Black-capped Chickadee: 62.8%
– Boreal Chickadee: 2.1%
Allow these figures to guide your expectations as you embark on enchanting birdwatching escapades in the beautiful landscapes of Manitoba.