Discover the abundant variety of Chickadee species found in Nova Scotia through vivid photo identifications, captivating descriptions, enchanting audio recordings of their melodies, intriguing trivia, and much more!
Chickadees, those lively little avian songsters, gracefully dart around in search of insects, readily paying visits to backyard feeders. They belong to the esteemed Poecile bird family, representing a group of merely seven Chickadee species, all of which inhabit the splendid landscapes of North America.
Within Nova Scotia, one can marvel at the presence of two distinct Chickadee types. The most prevalent among them are the Black-capped Chickadees, while the charming Boreal Chickadees also make their appearances within these borders.
While Chickadees generally forgo the act of migration, they may venture to lower altitudes during winter months. To endure the frigid conditions, studies have revealed that these delightful creatures adeptly store food, seek refuge in cavities, and employ regulated nocturnal hypothermia to conserve their energy.
Driven by their high body temperature, Chickadees boast an insatiable appetite, consuming a daily meal equivalent to their own weight!
Remarkably, Chickadees do not typically enjoy lengthy lifespans, with a mere two to three years in their domain. As adults, they may even experience a solitary year, restricted to a single breeding season. Nevertheless, there have been recorded instances of Chickadees gracefully living for an astounding twelve years.
Discerning the distinction between male and female Chickadees can be quite a challenge, as they bear striking similarities. However, a notable disparity lies in the fact that only the males serenade the world with their resounding ‘Fee-bee’ songs.
In their quest for sustenance, Chickadees fervently feast upon insects and seeds, often frequenting backyard feeders in pursuit of seeds or suet. Discover the numerous other avian species that frequently grace the splendid province of Nova Scotia, and obtain a complimentary identification chart.
The present guide serves as a valuable tool in identifying the Chickadee species present in Nova Scotia. It relies upon avibase for accuracy and incorporates data sourced from avid bird watchers participating in ebird, thus ensuring authentic information regarding the birds’ sighting opportunities.
Nova Scotia, a haven for avian enthusiasts, proudly embraces two Chickadee species:
1. Black-capped Chickadee
These delightful Black-capped Chickadees proudly call Nova Scotia their year-round residence, shunning the notion of migration. They grace approximately 45% of summer checklists and a remarkable 53% of winter checklists submitted by the devoted bird-watching community within the province.
Sporting endearing round heads atop diminutive bodies, Black-capped Chickadees exemplify sheer charm. With black-capped crowns, beaks, and throats, coupled with resplendent white cheeks, their back, wings, and tail radiate a soothing gray hue. Their bellies boast a lighter shade, rendering them remarkably similar to their Carolina Chickadee counterparts.
Scientific Name: 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 traverse the northern realms of both the United States and Canada, exhibiting a resolute resistance to migration.
You can observe Black-capped Chickadees gracefully navigating forests, open woodlands, and parks. Their diet comprises an assortment of seeds, berries, insects, spiders, and suet.
Delight in the captivating Call/Song of the Black-capped Chickadee:
Credit: Matt W
istrand, XC554222. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/554222.
Black-capped Chickadees typically fashion their nests within aging woodpecker dwellings, although they may craft their own cavities within decaying branches. Both male and female Chickadees diligently partake in nest-building endeavors. The female skillfully lines the nest with moss and other soft materials, such as fur.
A bountiful clutch of up to thirteen eggs can be laid, with an incubation period of approximately two weeks. Subsequently, the young ones require an additional two weeks to mature before venturing out into the world.
To allure Black-capped Chickadees to your very own backyard, extend an invitation with suet, sunflower seeds, peanuts, or even delectable peanut butter. These gracious birds may even feed directly from your hand and are often among the first to explore new feeding stations. Nest boxes, especially when filled with wood shavings, also serve as enticing havens for their habitation.
Fun Fact: Black-capped Chickadees boast truly remarkable brains. Each year, they relinquish outdated neuronal connections, discarding obsolete information, while simultaneously replenishing their cognitive faculties with fresh neurons and new knowledge.
2. Boreal Chickadee
Boreal Chickadees, though somewhat less common in Nova Scotia, occasionally grace the region throughout the year. They account for approximately 2% of the checklists submitted during both summer and winter seasons.
These enchanting Boreal Chickadees exemplify petite, grayish-brown songbirds, adorned with dark brown caps, small black bibs, cinnamon-toned flanks, and a pristine white undersides and cheeks.
Scientific Name: Poecile hudsonicus
Length: 4.9-5.5 in (12.5-14 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (7-12.4 g)
Boreal Chickadees flourish in the woodlands of Canada and Alaska, occasionally venturing into the northern territories of the United States.
These delightful creatures predominantly inhabit coniferous forests, often favoring areas in close proximity to water sources. However, they may also grace deciduous or mixed forests. Boreal Chickadees forage for sustenance among the upper canopies, deftly extracting seeds and insects. They eagerly visit feeders as well, further delighting onlookers.
Credit: Ken Hall, XC511286. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/511286.
Nests constructed by Boreal Chickadees typically find their abode in deceased trees, with the diligent female assuming the responsibility of creating the nesting cavity. The hollow is then lined with moss, bark, and subsequently, softer materials like hair and feathers. The laying period encompasses a clutch of up to nine eggs, hatching within a little over two weeks.
To beckon Boreal Chickadees into your very own backyard oasis, extend an invitation with black oil sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds, suet, peanuts, or even a serving of mealworms. Various feeder types can accommodate their appetites, including tube feeders, suet cages, or platform feeders. Additionally, erecting a nesting box equipped with a modest 1 1/8-inch hole, positioned at a height of 5 to 15 feet above the ground, proves an enticing prospect for attracting a mated pair.
Fun Fact: Boreal Chickadees showcase their foresight by diligently amassing caches of seeds and insects, preparing for the demanding and formidable winter season.
Luring Chickadees to Your Backyard
The presence of Chickadees imparts immense joy to any observer keen on their mesmerizing antics. Thus, to foster a haven for these endearing
avian creatures within your own yard, consider implementing the following suggestions:
1. Supply your feeders with a tantalizing assortment of black oil sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds, suet, or peanuts.
2. Chickadees happily partake in feasting from a wide array of feeder designs, including tube feeders, suet cages, or platform feeders.
3. Provide a refreshing water source, such as a birdbath, ideally designed with a gentle flow of water.
4. Cultivate a selection of berry-producing trees and shrubs, enticing insects that serve as a delectable Chickadee feast.
5. Refrain from using harmful pesticides or herbicides, as Chickadees naturally regulate insect populations.
6. Foster an inviting environment with the inclusion of trees and shrubs, offering shelter and protection.
7. Extend a warm welcome through the provision of nesting boxes, featuring small entry holes measuring 1 1/8 inch, placed at an elevation of 5 to 15 feet above the ground.
8. Ensure the safety of these delightful creatures by keeping domestic cats indoors.
9. Exercise patience, for it may take time for the feathered visitors to discover and embrace your yard and feeders.
Chickadee Songs and Calls
Chickadees hold a renowned reputation for their signature “chick a dee” calls, though this vocalization primarily serves as a gentle alarm or contact call. Their melodic songs, characterized by a melodious “fee bee” sound, captivate the hearts of all who listen.
Explore the diverse repertoire of Chickadee sounds:
1. “Fee-bee”
This delightful tune exclusively originates from the male Chickadees.
The initial note possesses a higher pitch compared to the subsequent one.
Males prefer to distance themselves from fellow male counterparts when they engage in this melodious performance.
Credit: Matt Wistrand, XC554222. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/554222.
2. “Faint Fee-bee”
Both males and females contribute to this gentle serenade.
Females employ this melodious call to beckon their male partners to provide sustenance while they diligently incubate their precious offspring.
This vocalization serves as an essential means of communication between parents and their young ones.
3. “Chick-a-dee” call
This pleasant vocalization serves as a mild alarm call.
It facilitates contact within flocks, aiding in coordinated movements.
Credit: GABRIEL LEITE, XC420822. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/420822.
4. Gargle
A captivating series of two to nine short notes constitutes this distinct vocalization.
Chickadees employ this warning call when individuals venture too close to their vicinity, be it in flocks or around feeding stations.
It serves as a precautionary measure, urging fellow Chickadees to maintain a safe distance.
Credit: Todd Wilson, XC42956. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/42956.
5. Begging Call
Young Chickadees masterfully employ this “bee” call to summon their attentive parents, entreating them to provide nourishment.
Credit: Tayler Brooks, XC36609. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/36609.
6. High Seet Call
This alarm call signifies the presence of predators in the vicinity, prompting heightened vigilance.
Credit: Tayler Brooks, XC35305. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/35305.
Frequency of Chickadee Sightings in Nova Scotia during Summer and Winter
Checklists serve as invaluable resources for discerning the avian species commonly observed within a particular region. These comprehensive lists reveal the prevalence of Chickadee species based on the recorded checklists submitted on ebird, for both the summer and winter seasons in Nova Scotia.
Chickadees in Nova Scotia during Summer:
– Black-capped Chickadee: 45.8%
– Boreal Chickadee: 2.4%
Chickadees in Nova Scotia during Winter:
– Black-capped Chickadee: 53.9%
– Boreal Chickadee: 1.6%