See all posts in the Birds of Carver County series
The Black-Capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) is a small, non-migratory songbird common across Minnesota. It can be recognized by its black cap and bib, which contrast sharply with its white cheeks.
The rest of its plumage is soft gray on the back and wings, with buff-colored sides and a light belly. They are about 5 inches in length with a wingspan of 6 to 8 inches.
Black-capped chickadees eat insects and their eggs, small caterpillars, suet, seeds and berries, so they are common visitors to bird feeders and active in all seasons and temperatures.
Their behavior is adaptable to almost any environment. In spring migration, birds that are passing through Minnesota can sometimes be found following chickadees as if they are using them as local restaurant guides or a traveling Neighborhood Watch.
Chickadees often hunt with each other, benefiting from each other’s watchful eyes looking for food and as well as for dangers. Their calling back and forth alerts observant birdwatchers as well. If only we could understand what they are saying to each other!
Their “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call serves multiple purposes, including alarm and communication. They also sing a clear “fee-bee” song, often heard in the spring.
Chickadees are cavity nesters, often using abandoned woodpecker holes or creating their own in soft wood. Although not normally found in Carver County, its cousin the Boreal Chickadee is found in Minnesota’s northern and northeastern counties. The look-a-like Carolina Chickadee nests well south of Minnesota.
The Cornell Lab “All About Birds” and “Birds of the World” applications list facts about nesting Black-backed Chickadees:
- They lay up to 13 eggs. Usually just one brood per year.
- Eggs are incubated for 12-13 days. Males will feed the female while she sits on the eggs.
- Chicks stay in the nest for 12 to 16 days, with both parents bringing food.
- After they leave the nest, chicks will be very vocal in calling for food (“dee, dee”) and rapidly fluffing their wings.
Resilient and intelligent, the black-capped chickadee thrives in a variety of environments, making it a favorite among birdwatchers and a symbol of cheerful resilience in the wild.
For more information:
- All About Birds, Cornell Lab application LINK
- Birds of the World application, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- “Peterson Field Guides, Eastern Birds” by Roger Tory Peterson
- “Reader’s Digest Book of North American Birds”
- “The Audubon Society Master Guide to Birding, Volume 2”
A DIVERSION FOR THE NEW YEAR
In holiday gift wrapping or in “birdy” gifts from others who know your interest in birds, you might see realistic images of birds that are not found in your bird guides. The manufacturers of these items may be taking advantage of loose copyright regulations or not know the difference between North American birds and those found in Europe. However, their intent was probably fulfilled, and you get to see images of little and perhaps colorful birds:
- European Robins have a bright reddish breast that resulted in our most popular thrush being named an American Robin.
- Blue Tits are seen throughout Europe and their technicolor blue feathers are a distinct counterpart to our black and white Chickadee.
- Great Tits have a central breast stripe that is uniquely not American. Their yellow side coloration also sets them up as colorful members of the Tit family.
- With a name that inspired a recent novel, the European Goldfinch is a multi-colored species that seems like it should have been named something different. Its feeding behavior is like our Goldfinches – seeds, seeds and more seeds.
