In Washington, this comprehensive manual will aid you in identifying various Chickadee species through the use of photo identifications, detailed descriptions, audio recordings of their melodic tunes, intriguing facts, and more.
Chickadees, these industrious little songbirds, flutter around tirelessly in search of insects, readily making visits to backyard feeders. Belonging to the Poecile bird family, Chickadees consist of merely seven species, all of which reside in North America.
Washington offers a sighting of four distinct Chickadee types. Among them, the most prevalent are the Black-capped Chickadees and Chestnut-backed Chickadees, yet one may also spot Mountain Chickadees and Boreal Chickadees.
Although Chickadees do not undertake migrations, they may venture to lower regions during winter months. To endure the cold winter period, studies have revealed that Chickadees store food, seek refuge in cavities, and enter a regulated nocturnal hypothermic state to conserve energy.
Due to their elevated body temperature and constant need, Chickadees possess an insatiable appetite, requiring them to consume their own body weight in sustenance each day!
Chickadees typically possess short lifespans, living only about two to three years. As adults, they may experience a solitary year of existence, limited to a sole breeding season. However, there have been instances of Chickadees surviving for an astonishing twelve years.
Differentiating between male and female Chickadees can be challenging, as their appearances are virtually identical. However, only the male Chickadees emit the resounding song of ‘Fee-bee’.
Chickadees indulge in a diet of insects and seeds, often making visits to backyard feeders in search of seeds or suet. Discover other varieties of backyard birds that frequently grace the state of Washington and obtain a complimentary identification chart.
This instructive guide will enable you to identify the various Chickadee species observed in Washington by utilizing data gathered from avid birdwatchers on ebird, in conjunction with information derived from avibase, a comprehensive bird database.
The state of Washington is home to four Chickadee species, namely:
1. Black-capped Chickadee
Black-capped Chickadees are year-round residents of Washington. They appear in approximately 30% of summer checklists and 38% of winter checklists submitted by birdwatchers in the state.
With endearing round heads and petite bodies, Black-capped Chickadees exude charm. They exhibit black caps, beaks, and throats, complemented by white cheeks. Their backs, wings, and tails are adorned in shades of gray, while their bellies possess lighter hues. 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 do not partake in migrations and can be sighted in the northern regions of the United States and Canada.
These delightful birds can be found in forests, open woodlands, and parks, where they feast on seeds, berries, insects, spiders, and suet.
Black-capped Chickadee Call/Song:
Credit: Matt Wistrand, XC554222. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/554222.
Nests constructed by Black-capped Chickadees are usually located within old woodpecker nests, although they may create their own cavities within decaying branches. Both male and female Chickadees contribute to nest-building, with the female subsequently lining the nest using moss and other soft materials, such as fur.
They lay clutches of eggs, often consisting of up to thirteen. The incubation period lasts approximately two weeks, while the young remain in the nest for an additional two weeks before venturing out.
To attract Black-capped Chickadees to your backyard, provide suet, sunflower seeds, peanuts, or peanut butter. These delightful birds may even feed directly from your hand and are frequently among the first to discover new feeders. They also appreciate the use of nest boxes, especially when filled with wood shavings.
Fun fact: Black-capped Chickadees possess remarkable brains, shedding old brain neurons annually to discard unnecessary information and replacing them with new neurons and knowledge.
2. Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Chestnut-backed Chickadees can be spotted throughout the year in Washington, predominantly in the western and northeastern regions of the state. They do not migrate and are observed in approximately 16% of summer checklists and 18% of winter checklists.
These tiny Chickadees exhibit black caps and throats, accompanied by white cheeks. Their backs and sides boast a rich chestnut hue, while their wings and bellies display shades of gray. However, in California, their sides possess a gray shade rather than brown.
Poecile rufescens
Length: 3.9-4.7 in (10-12 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (7-12 g)
Wingspan: 7.5 in (19 cm)
Chestnut-backed Chickadees reside in flocks within damp evergreen forests along the Pacific Coast, frequently paying visits to backyard feeders.
These charming birds are typically found in coniferous forests, nourishing themselves primarily on insects such as caterpillars, spiders, wasps, and aphids. Seeds, berries, and fruits constitute the remaining portion of their diet.
Credit: Simon Elliott, XC597659. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/597659.
Nests crafted by Chestnut-backed Chickadees are usually situated within cavities in decaying wood, either fashioned by the birds themselves or inherited from woodpeckers. The nest is lined with moss and bark, followed by the addition of softer materials like fur and grass. They lay clutches of up to eleven eggs, requiring around two weeks to hatch, with the young departing the nest after almost three weeks.
To attract Chestnut-backed Chickadees to your yard, offer black-oil sunflower seeds, suet, nyjer, peanuts, or mealworms using tube feeders, platform feeders, or suet cages. They also exhibit a fondness for nest boxes.
3. Mountain Chickadee
Mountain Chickadees can be found throughout the year in Washington, featuring in up to 3% of both summer and winter checklists in the state.
These diminutive birds possess black-and-white heads, with their bodies displaying shades of gray, darker on the back and lighter on the underside.
Poecile gambeli
Length: 4.3-5.5 in (11-14 cm)
Weight: 0.4 oz (11 g)
Mountain Chickadees inhabit mountainous regions of the western United States year-round, refraining from migrations. However, they may descend to lower elevations during winter.
You can typically find Mountain Chickadees in evergreen forests, particularly those abundant in pine and coniferous trees. Their diet consists of insects, spiders, nuts, and seeds, and they frequently visit backyard feeders. These Chickadees exhibit a propensity for storing food for future consumption, diligently creating a reserve.
Credit: Richard E. Webster, XC619853. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/619853.
Nests of Mountain Chickadees are typically established within abandoned nesting holes left behind by woodpeckers and nuthatches. The female lines the cavity with fur and conceals her eggs when she departs. The incubation period lasts approximately two weeks, while the young remain in the nest for an additional three weeks before taking flight.
To entice Mountain Chickadees to your yard, install nest boxes, and provide black oil sunflower seeds, mealworms, nyjer, suet, and peanut butter in various types of feeders.
Fun fact: Mountain Chickadees incubate their eggs for 50% longer than other Chickadee species, likely due to the protective nature of their nest cavities and the female’s behavior of covering the eggs when leaving.
4. Boreal Chickadee
Boreal Chickadees are not commonly found in Washington. However, they have been observed primarily in the northeastern region of the state from May to November, during the summer season.
These small, grayish-brown songbirds possess dark brown caps, small black bibs, cinnamon-colored sides, and white undersides and cheeks.
Poecile hudsonicus
Length: 4.9-5.5 in (12.5-14 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (7-12.4 g)
Boreal Chickadees predominantly reside in Canada and Alaska, occasionally making appearances in northern states of the United States.
These birds primarily inhabit coniferous forests, often near water sources, but can also be found in deciduous or mixed forests. They feed on seeds and insects found in the upper regions of the tree canopy and readily visit feeders.
Credit: Ken Hall, XC511286. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/511286.
Nests constructed by Boreal Chickadees are typically located in dead trees, with the female responsible for creating the cavity. The nest is lined with moss, bark, and softer materials such as hair and feathers. They lay clutches of up to nine eggs, requiring slightly over two weeks to hatch.
To attract Boreal Chickadees to your backyard, provide black oil sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds, suet, peanuts, and mealworms in various feeder types. Additionally, setting up a nesting box may attract a mating pair.
Fun fact: Boreal Chickadees diligently store seeds and insects to sustain themselves during the long, harsh winter months.
Attracting Chickadees to Your Backyard
Observing the constant activity of Chickadees as they scurry to gather sufficient nourishment is a delightful experience. If you wish to witness more of these adorable avian creatures in your yard, follow these steps to attract them:
1. Supply feeders with black oil sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds, suet, or peanuts.
2. Utilize various types of feeders, such as tube feeders, suet cages, or platform feeders.
3. Provide a water source, preferably a birdbath with running water.
4. Plant trees and shrubs that produce berries, attracting insects that Chickadees feed on.
5. Refrain from using pesticides or herbicides, as Chickadees rely on insects as a food source.
6. Offer shelter by planting trees and shrubs in your yard.
7. Install a nest box with a small entrance hole, positioned 5 to 15 feet above the ground.
8. Keep cats indoors to ensure the safety of Chickadees and other birds.
9. Exercise patience, as it may take time for birds to discover your yard and feeders.
Chickadee Songs and Calls
Chickadees are renowned for their distinctive “chick-a-dee” call, which serves as a mild alarm or contact call. Contrary to popular belief, their song actually produces a “fee-bee” sound.
Chickadee Sounds:
1. Fee-bee:
– Produced by male Chickadees.
– The first note is higher-pitched than the second.
– Males tend to distance themselves from one another while singing.
Credit: Matt Wistrand, XC554222. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/554222.
2. Faint Fee-bee:
– Produced by both male and female Chickadees.
– Females use this call to summon the male for feeding while she is incubating.
– Used for communication between parents and young.
3. Chick-a-dee call:
– Serves as a mild alarm call.
– Used for contact calls within flocks.
– Facilitates coordination of movements within the flock.
Credit: GABRIEL LEITE, XC420822. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/420822.
4. Gargle:
– Consists of a series of two to nine short notes.
– Used when birds come too close to each other or to feeders.
– Serves as a warning call before engaging in behavior to drive away other individuals.
Credit: Todd Wilson, XC42956. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/42956.
5. Begging Call:
– Young Chickadees emit bee-like calls to prompt their parents to feed them.
Credit: Tayler Brooks, XC36609. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/36609.
6. High Seet Call:
– Serves as an alarm call when predators are in the vicinity.
Credit: Tayler Brooks, XC35305. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/35305.
Frequency of Chickadee Sightings in Washington during Summer and Winter
Checklists provide valuable insights into the common bird species observed in a particular state. The following percentages represent the frequency of Chickadee species recorded in summer and winter checklists on ebird for Washington:
Chickadees in Washington during Summer:
– Black-capped Chickadee: 30.8%
– Chestnut-backed Chickadee: 16.8%
– Mountain Chickadee: 3.1%
– Boreal Chickadee: 0.1%
Chickadees in Washington during Winter:
– Black-capped Chickadee: 38.4%
– Chestnut-backed Chickadee: 18.1%
– Mountain Chickadee: 2.0%
– Boreal Chickadee: <0.1%