Discover the diverse array of Chickadee species that can be observed in North Dakota, complete with captivating photo identifications, detailed descriptions, enchanting audio recordings of their melodious tunes, intriguing snippets of knowledge, and more.
Chickadees, these lively and vibrant songbirds, gracefully flit about, ceaselessly on the lookout for insects, and eagerly make their way to backyard feeders. Belonging to the esteemed avian Poecile family, these delightful creatures comprise a mere seven distinct species of Chickadees, all of which proudly call North America their home.
Within the bounds of North Dakota, two distinctive types of Chickadees grace the surroundings, although the Black-capped Chickadee stands as the more common variety. While Boreal Chickadees have been sporadically spotted, their presence is regarded as a fortuitous occurrence within this region.
Unlike migratory birds, Chickadees choose not to embark on lengthy journeys, yet they may seek lower altitudes during the winter season. To withstand the harshness of the cold months, studies have elucidated their survival strategies, which include the caching of food, the selection of cavities for shelter, and the remarkable ability to enter a regulated state of nocturnal hypothermia to conserve energy.
Due to their elevated body temperature, Chickadees exhibit an insatiable appetite and consume an amount of food equivalent to their own body weight each day—a remarkable feat indeed!
Regrettably, Chickadees tend to lead relatively short lives, with a mere two to three years constituting their average lifespan. As adults, these endearing creatures may only experience a single year of existence and partake in just one breeding season. However, records indicate the occasional exceptional case of Chickadees defying expectations and living for a remarkable twelve years.
Distinguishing between male and female Chickadees can pose a challenge, as they bear a striking resemblance to one another. Yet, a single clue provides a hint—the mellifluous songs resounding from the males’ beaks, emitting the characteristic ‘Fee-bee’ melody.
Insects and seeds form the primary sustenance of Chickadees, which often leads them to visit backyard feeders in search of seeds or suet. Delve deeper into the realm of North Dakota’s avian visitors, uncovering an assortment of other backyard bird species, and acquire a complimentary chart for effortless identification.
Encompassing a wealth of information gathered from dedicated birdwatchers on ebird and avibase, this invaluable guide serves as an indispensable resource, facilitating the identification of Chickadee species thriving in the picturesque landscapes of North Dakota.
A Pair of Chickadee Varieties Flourish in North Dakota:
1. Black-capped Chickadee
North Dakota’s welcoming embrace encompasses the presence of Black-capped Chickadees throughout the year, with their numbers escalating during the winter season. Birdwatchers diligently recording their findings indicate that these delightful avian companions feature in 19% of summer checklists and an impressive 43% of winter checklists submitted for the state.
With their endearing round heads and diminutive bodies, Black-capped Chickadees radiate a charming aura. These delightful birds harbor a distinct appearance, adorned with jet-black caps, beaks, and throats, offset by pristine white cheeks. Gray hues adorn their backs, wings, and tails, while their bellies boast a lighter shade, creating a captivating contrast. Remarkably reminiscent of Carolina Chickadees, they effortlessly capture the heart.
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)
Endowed with the gift of non-migration, Black-capped Chickadees grace the northern realms of the United States and Canada with their vibrant presence.
The enchanting habitats of Black-capped Chickadees encompass forests, open woodlands, and parks, where they feast upon a delectable diet comprising seeds, berries, insects, spiders, and suet.
Black-capped Chickadee Call/Song:
Credit: Matt Wistrand, XC554222. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/554222.
The nesting abodes of Black-capped Chickadees usually find solace within aging woodpecker nests, although they occasionally construct their own cavities within decaying branches. Both male and female Chickadees actively participate in nest creation, with the female meticulously lining the interior using moss and subsequently incorporating soft materials like fur.
Clutches of up to thirteen eggs are laid, necessitating an incubation period of approximately two weeks. Once hatched, the fledglings require an additional fortnight to emerge from their cozy abode.
Entice Black-capped Chickadees to grace your backyard by generously providing suet, sunflower seeds, peanuts, or even peanut butter. Their amicable nature may lead them to feed directly from your hand, often being among the first avian visitors to discover newfound feeders. Nest boxes prove especially appealing, particularly when equipped with cozy wood shavings.
Fun fact: Black-capped Chickadees boast extraordinary brains that annually shed redundant neurons, discarding obsolete information while replacing them with fresh neurons and newfound wisdom.
2. Boreal Chickadee
Within the borders of North Dakota, Boreal Chickadees remain an exceptionally rare sight, classified as accidental residents within the state. Only a few fortunate observers have been blessed with sightings, with the most recent occurring back in 2016 around Leeds and Logan.
Exuding an endearing aura, Boreal Chickadees stand as diminutive grayish-brown songbirds. A distinguishing dark brown cap, small black bib, cinnamon sides, and white underbellies and cheeks complete their captivating appearance.
Poecile hudsonicus
Length: 4.9-5.5 in (12.5-14 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (7-12.4 g)
Hailing from the realms of Canada and Alaska, Boreal Chickadees occasionally grace the northern territories of the United States.
Coniferous forests serve as the preferred abodes of Boreal Chickadees, often dwelling in close proximity to bodies of water. However, they may also be found in deciduous or mixed forests. These resourceful birds primarily seek sustenance amidst the upper reaches of the canopy, feasting upon a delectable assortment of seeds and insects. The allure of bird feeders proves irresistible, drawing them in with ease.
Credit: Ken Hall, XC511286. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/511286.
Boreal Chickadees typically establish their nests within lifeless trees, with the female diligently creating the nesting cavity. Moss and bark constitute the initial lining materials, eventually giving way to softer substances such as hair and feathers. Laying up to nine eggs, the female remains steadfast in her incubation duties for just over two weeks.
Lure Boreal Chickadees to your backyard by generously providing black oil sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds, suet, peanuts, and mealworms, readily available on various feeder types. Introducing a nesting box with a small 1 1/8-inch entrance, positioned at a height of 5-15 feet above ground, may allure a delightful mating pair to your abode.
Fun Fact: Boreal Chickadees, displaying their instinctual foresight, diligently store seeds and insects in preparation for the unforgiving and arduous winter months.
Attracting Chickadees to Your Backyard
The lively and energetic nature of Chickadees provides an enchanting spectacle, as they busily flit about, ceaselessly seeking nourishment. To invite more of these captivating avian companions into your yard, consider the following suggestions:
1. Stock your feeders with an abundant supply of black oil sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds, suet, or peanuts.
2. Chickadees readily feed from various types of feeders, including tube feeders, suet cages, or platform feeders.
3. Offer a water source, preferably in the form of a birdbath equipped with running water.
4. Cultivate berry-producing trees and shrubs, attracting insects that serve as an additional food source for Chickadees.
5. Refrain from using pesticides or herbicides, as Chickadees rely on insects for sustenance.
6. Provide shelter by incorporating trees and shrubs within your backyard landscape.
7. Offer a nest box with a small entrance hole measuring 1 1/8 inches, elevated at a height of 5-15 feet above ground.
8. Keep cats indoors to ensure the safety of both your feline friends and the cherished avian visitors.
9. Exercise patience, as it may take some time for birds to discover your yard and feeders, but rest assured, they will arrive in due course.
Chickadee Songs and Calls
Renowned for their melodious calls, Chickadees boast a repertoire of enchanting vocalizations. The iconic “chick-a-dee” call, often associated with these delightful birds, serves as a mild alarm or contact call. Surprisingly, their song resonates with a melodious rendition of the “fee bee” sound.
Chickadee Sounds:
1. Fee-bee
– Produced exclusively by males.
– The initial note holds a higher pitch than the subsequent one.
– Male Chickadees relocate away from one another while vocalizing.
Credit: Matt Wistrand, XC554222. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/554222.
2. Faint Fee-bee
– Produced by both males and females.
– Females utilize this call to summon the male for nourishment during incubation.
– It serves as a means of communication between parents and their offspring.
3. Chick-a-dee call
– Serves as a mild alarm call.
– Functions as a contact call within flocks.
– Facilitates coordination during flock movements.
Credit: GABRIEL LEITE, XC420822. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/420822.
4. Gargle
– Comprises a series of two to nine brief notes.
– Employed when birds venture too close to one another within flocks or near feeders.
– Serves as a warning, often compelling Chickadees to maintain a safe distance.
Credit: Todd Wilson, XC42956. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/42956.
5. Begging Call
– Young Chickadees emit a distinctive bee-like call, enticing their parents to provide nourishment.
Credit: Tayler Brooks, XC36609. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/36609.
6. High Seet Call
– An alarm call that alerts Chickadees to the presence of predators.
Credit: Tayler Brooks, XC35305. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/35305.
Frequency of Chickadee Sightings in North Dakota during Summer and Winter
Unveiling the frequency of Chickadee sightings in North Dakota during both summer and winter seasons provides valuable insights. Checklists compiled by passionate birdwatchers on ebird shed light on the prevalence of Chickadee species within the state.
Chickadees in North Dakota during Summer:
Black-capped Chickadee: 19.4%
Chickadees in North Dakota during Winter:
Black-capped Chickadee: 43.6%
Boreal Chickadee: <0.1%