Discover the fascinating world of Chickadees in Quebec through this comprehensive handbook, featuring captivating photographs, detailed descriptions, enchanting audio recordings of their melodious tunes, intriguing trivia, and much more.
These lively little songbirds, known as Chickadees, flutter about in search of insects, readily visiting backyard feeders. They belong to the Poecile family, comprising only seven species, all native to North America.
Quebec boasts two distinct varieties of Chickadees. The most prevalent is the Black-capped Chickadee, but keep an eye out for the elusive Boreal Chickadee as well.
Although Chickadees don’t migrate, they may relocate to lower altitudes during winter. To endure the harsh cold, studies reveal their resourceful techniques such as food caching, sheltering in cavities, and entering a state of regulated nocturnal hypothermia to conserve energy.
Due to their elevated body temperature, Chickadees possess an insatiable appetite, consuming a daily amount of food equivalent to their own body weight!
Regrettably, Chickadees have a relatively short lifespan, typically living for only two to three years. As adults, they may experience just one breeding season. However, exceptional cases have recorded Chickadees reaching the impressive age of twelve.
Distinguishing between male and female Chickadees can be challenging as they exhibit identical appearances. Yet, one notable distinction is that only males emit the louder and more resounding “Fee-bee” song.
Chickadees feast on insects and seeds, frequently visiting backyard feeders in search of nourishment. Learn about other captivating avian species that frequently grace the Quebec region, and avail a complimentary identification chart.
This comprehensive guide draws information from reputable sources such as Avibase, and incorporates data collected by dedicated bird watchers on ebird to provide accurate insights into the seasonal presence of Chickadees in Quebec.
2 Distinct Chickadee Varieties in Quebec:
1. Black-capped Chickadee
Black-capped Chickadees are year-round residents of Quebec. While they feature more prominently in checklists during winter due to the scarcity of other avian species, they are more frequent visitors to feeders.
Bird watchers in the province have recorded Black-capped Chickadees in 46% of summer checklists and 63% of winter checklists.
With their endearing round heads and petite bodies, Black-capped Chickadees possess a charming allure. These delightful creatures fearlessly explore backyard feeders, even exhibiting curiosity towards humans!
Black-capped Chickadees showcase black caps, beaks, and throats, complemented by white cheeks. Their backs, wings, and tails appear gray, while their bellies display a lighter hue. They bear a striking resemblance to Carolina Chickadees.
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 are non-migratory, inhabiting the northern regions of the United States and Canada.
You can find Black-capped Chickadees in forests, open woodlands, and parks. Their diet comprises seeds, berries, insects, spiders, and suet.
Call/Song of the Black-capped Chickadee:
Credit: Matt Wistrand, XC554222. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/554222.
Black-capped Chickadees typically nest in abandoned woodpecker nests, but they may create their own cavities within decaying branches. Both males and females contribute to nest construction, with the female lining it using moss and subsequently adding softer materials like fur.
They lay substantial clutches of up to thirteen eggs, which incubate for approximately two weeks. After hatching, the young chicks remain in the nest for an additional two weeks before venturing into the world.
To attract Black-capped Chickadees to your backyard, offer suet, sunflower seeds, peanuts, or peanut butter. These affable birds may even feed directly from your hand, often being among the first to discover new feeders. Nest boxes, filled with wood shavings, are also warmly welcomed.
Fun Fact: Black-capped Chickadees possess remarkable brains that discard old information by eliminating aging neurons, making space for new neurons and knowledge each year.
2. Boreal Chickadee
Boreal Chickadees, a dainty grayish-brown avian species, grace Quebec throughout the year. They make appearances in approximately 3% of summer and winter checklists submitted for the province.
Sporting a dark brown cap, a small black bib, cinnamon-toned sides, and a white underside and cheeks, Boreal Chickadees emit an enchanting charm.
Poecile hudsonicus
Length: 4.9-5.5 in (12.5-14 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (7-12.4 g)
Boreal Chickadees reside in Canada, Alaska, and occasionally venture into the northern regions of the United States.
You can predominantly find Boreal Chickadees in coniferous forests, often in proximity to water. However, they also dwell in deciduous or mixed forests. These adept foragers primarily target seeds and insects situated in the upper reaches of the tree canopy, readily paying visits to feeders.
Credit: Ken Hall, XC511286. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/511286.
Boreal Chickadees generally establish their nests within dead trees, with the female creating the cavity. Moss and bark are skillfully utilized to line the nest, followed by the addition of softer materials like hair and feathers. They lay a clutch of up to nine eggs, which hatch after slightly over two weeks.
To attract Boreal Chickadees to your backyard, provide black oil sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds, suet, peanuts, mealworms, and various types of feeders. Additionally, erect a nesting box to entice a breeding pair.
Fun Fact: Boreal Chickadees diligently store seeds and insects to ensure sustenance during the long and harsh winter months.
Welcoming Chickadees to Your Backyard
The delightful antics of Chickadees are a sight to behold as they energetically scurry around, ceaselessly seeking sustenance. To witness more of these adorable avian creatures in your yard, follow these guidelines to attract them:
1. Stock feeders with black oil sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds, suet, or peanuts.
2. Chickadees frequent various feeder types, including tube feeders, suet cages, and platform feeders.
3. Provide a water source, preferably a birdbath with running water.
4. Cultivate berry-producing trees and shrubs that attract insects, a vital part of Chickadees’ diet.
5. Refrain from using pesticides or herbicides, as Chickadees rely on insects for nourishment.
6. Offer shelter through strategically placed trees and shrubs.
7. Install nest boxes featuring small holes of approximately 1 1/8 inches, positioned 5 to 15 feet above the ground.
8. Keep pet cats indoors to ensure the safety of the birds.
9. Exercise patience, as it may take time for birds to discover and frequent your yard and feeders.
Chickadee Songs and Calls
Chickadees are renowned for their eponymous “chick a dee” call, which, in reality, serves as a mild alarm or contact call. Their song, on the other hand, comprises a delightful “fee bee” sound.
Chickadee Sounds:
1. Fee-bee
This call is produced by males.
The first note carries a higher pitch compared to the second.
Males tend to move away from each other while singing.
Credit: Matt Wistrand, XC554222. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/554222.
2. Faint Fee-bee
Both males and females emit this call.
Females utilize it to beckon the male for feeding while she incubates the eggs.
It serves as a communication tool between parents and young chicks.
3. Chick-a-dee Call
A mild alarm call.
Used as contact calls within flocks.
Coordinates movements among flock members.
Credit: GABRIEL LEITE, XC420822. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/420822.
4. Gargle
Consists of a series of two to nine short notes.
Used when birds approach too closely within flocks or near feeders.
Serves as a warning call before a Chickadee potentially confronts another bird, encouraging it to retreat.
Credit: Todd Wilson, XC42956. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/42956.
5. Begging Call
Young Chickadees emit “bee” calls to elicit feeding from their parents.
Credit: Tayler Brooks, XC36609. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/36609.
6. High Seet Call
An alarm call employed when predators are in the vicinity.
Credit: Tayler Brooks, XC35305. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/35305.
Frequency of Chickadee Sightings in Quebec during Summer and Winter
Checklists serve as invaluable resources for identifying commonly observed bird species in a particular region. The following percentages indicate the prevalence of Chickadee sightings during summer and winter, based on ebird checklists in Quebec:
Chickadees in Quebec during Summer:
Black-capped Chickadee: 46.3%
Boreal Chickadee: 2.4%
Chickadees in Quebec during Winter:
Black-capped Chickadee: 63.5%
Boreal Chickadee: 3.5%