Black-capped chickadee

Language English

Onglets

Description

Distinguishing features

The black-capped chickadee is an acrobatic flyer. This small bird, with black head and bib. The sides of its head and neck are white, its flanks are buff, its legs are grey and its beak, black.

Reproduction

The male and female make their nest in a cavity they excavate in a decaying stump. They sometimes use an old woodpecker hole or a bird box when its dimensions are suitable.

The nest is located 1.20 to 4.50 metres off the ground. The female lays six to eight white eggs and incubates them for about 12 days.

While the female stays at the nest to incubate the eggs, the male brings her food. Once the chicks hatch, both parents take part in feeding them. The young leave the nest after about 16 days but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.

Diet

The black-capped chickadee has a varied diet. In summer, it feeds mainly on insects and spiders, while in winter, it switches to seeds and berries.

This resourceful little bird is also known for storing food to prepare for times of scarcity. It often hides seeds and insects under tree bark or in crevices—and it has the remarkable ability to remember the locations of these hidden stashes for several months.

Predators

Nestlings may be eaten by rodents, including red squirrels, or by mustelids such as American martens. Adults are hunted by small raptors, such as sharp-shinned hawks or small owls.

Habitat

The black-capped chickadee is commonly found in mixed and deciduous forests, as well as in parks, gardens, and wooded areas. Its range extends across North America, from the central United States to the northern tree line.

This bird prefers habitats with plenty of mature trees. A dense understory provides nesting cavities and reliable food sources.

Ecology, behaviour

The black-capped chickadee is a sociable and curious bird, often seen in small groups—especially outside of the breeding season.

It communicates with others using a wide range of calls and songs, including its famous “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call.

In winter, black-capped chickadees gather in flocks that often attract other bird species. Sticking together improves their chances of finding food and staying safe from predators.

During the cold season, these birds are frequent visitors to feeders, where they especially enjoy sunflower seeds.

French name

Mésange à tête noire

Scientific name

Poecile atricapillus

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Birds

Order

Passeriformes

Family

Paridae

Size

Length: 8.2 to 13.6 cm

Weight

Average weight: 10.8 g

Life span

In captivity: 12 years

Status

Common species. Least Concern (IUCN)

At the Biodôme

A male black-capped chickadee can be seen in the Laurentian Maple Forest ecosystem. This curious bird often moves near visitors in search of food.

It forages among the treetops and along branches, searching for insects naturally found in the environment. It also flies toward the feeding stations set up for its bird community.

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