Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens)
Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Poecile rufescens

The Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Poecile rufescens, is a diminutive and sprightly bird, a member of the tit family, Paridae. It is easily recognized by its vibrant rufous-brown mantle and the contrasting dark blackish-brown head with its hallmark white cheeks. This species is often considered the most resplendent among chickadees.

Identification Tips

When observing these birds, look for a length of 11.5–12.5 cm and a weight range of 8.5–12.6 g. The wings are dark gray with paler fringes, and the underparts range from white to pale grayish-white. The flanks are either rufous or pale gray, varying by subspecies and location.

Habitat

The Chestnut-backed Chickadee is a denizen of low elevation coniferous and mixed coniferous forests, where Douglas fir, western hemlock, and western redcedar dominate. These forests offer a cool and shaded environment, which is preferred by this species.

Distribution

This bird is native to the Pacific Northwest of the United States and western Canada, with its range stretching from southeastern Alaska to southwestern California. It is a permanent resident within this range, though it may move short distances in search of food, often descending to lower elevations in winter.

Behaviour

These chickadees are known for their energy-conserving strategy of nocturnal hypothermia, which allows them to survive the harsh winters of their habitat. They are often seen in mixed feeding flocks, moving through the forest in search of sustenance.

Breeding

Monogamous by nature, these chickadees can remain with a single partner for several years. They are cavity-nesters, often utilizing abandoned woodpecker holes or sometimes excavating their own. The female meticulously constructs the nest, which is composed of moss, tree bark, and a significant amount of fur and hair, particularly from deer, rabbits, and coyotes.

Similar Species

The Chestnut-backed Chickadee can be differentiated from other chickadees by its distinctive rufous coloring on the back and flanks, which varies among the subspecies.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists mainly of insects and invertebrates gleaned from foliage, with a preference for those found on Douglas fir trees. They also consume seeds, plant matter, and fruit, and are known to frequent bird feeders, showing a particular fondness for suet.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List currently classifies the Chestnut-backed Chickadee as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats at this time.

Chestnut-backed Chickadee Sounds


Recorded by: © 
App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Chestnut-backed Chickadees on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Tits, Chickadees

A photo of a Black-crested Titmouse (Baeolophus atricristatus)

Black-crested Titmouse

Baeolophus atricristatus
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Pdydhdrexgi
Fantastic App
This is a really lovely app, for everyone interested in birds - from newbies to old hands. There is a very friendly feel to the community and you will genuinely learn a lot as you record your sightings and photos. There are lots of badges and competitions to keep you engaged, and a host of really useful features.
Nicole
Gets me outdoors more
I'm still loving this app. I use it most days & gets me outdoors more. Enjoying watching others progress and photo's, it's improved my wellbeing.... I love this app! I can keep a record of sightings and see what others have seen too.
Abi.M
Awesome App
I really enjoy using this app! It is such a friendly community of bird-lovers who are happy to help if I need ID advice. It’s been great motivation to get outdoors and go birding more! 10/10 😍😍
SW H
Wonderful App
Birda is my go to app for keeping records of my bird sightings and sessions. It has fantastic information which is great at aiding identification. With all the updates that are coming in the new year, this app is something special.
Alex J
Friendly and helps to identify birds
Great birding app, good for logging your sightings, also has nice species guide. I'm enjoying the social aspect more than I expected, everyone seems friendly and helps to identify unknown birds. Good mix of newbies and experienced users.
Carrie
Makes you want to spot birds more
I think this app is fun. It makes you want to spot birds more so I guess in a way it encourages you to get out and about instead of sitting in front of the TV.
Emcil24
A Friendly Place
I love using the bird app, I have a pretty good knowledge of birds. But I do have some gaps in it, so it’s nice to have a safe space to check on a sighting to confirm the species. It’s really enjoyable and I love the badges you can collect. It’s like a real life Pokémon go.
Jake W
Great app
I use this app all the time as it’s quick and easy to log individual sightings or whole birding sessions. It’s an excellent way to meet new people and the forum is full of really friendly people. The challenges are a great way to get involved and learn more about birds. Cannot recommend it enough!
Dan R
Great app for bird fanatics
Great app for bird fanatics - very user friendly and a perfect place to share sightings.
Emma L
App got me interested in birding!
Super friendly community <3 This app got me interested in birding! It teaches me cool stuff and its super friendly, and fun :) The species guide is really developing my knowledge, and i love seeing cool new birds from round the world!
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.