Mountain Chickadee

The Mountain Chickadee (Poecile gambeli) is a diminutive songbird, a member of the tit family Paridae. It is easily recognized by its black cap and black postocular stripe, which are set off by striking white eyebrows. The bird's back and flanks are a soft gray, transitioning to paler gray on the underparts. A short black bill and a black bib complete the distinctive appearance of this species. Adults typically span 7.5 inches (19 cm) across the wings and measure 5–6 inches (13–15 cm) in length.

Identification Tips

To identify the Mountain Chickadee, look for the unique white line that adorns the sides of its black cap—a feature that sets it apart from other North American chickadees, which have solid black caps. The bird's size and coloration, along with its habitat and range, further distinguish it from the 55 other species of chickadees and tits.

Habitat

Mountain Chickadees are found in the coniferous and mixed forests of mountainous regions. They are adept at navigating the complex vertical structure of these habitats, from the understory to the canopy.

Distribution

This species is native to the western United States and Canada, with a range stretching from the southern Yukon through California and into the Rocky Mountain States.

Behaviour

Mountain Chickadees exhibit monogamous breeding behavior and may produce 1 to 2 broods annually. They are active and agile, often seen flitting through branches in search of food or hanging upside down to forage. In the colder months, they may form small groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks.

Song & Calls

The call of the Mountain Chickadee is a throaty "chick-adee-dee-dee," while its song is a descending whistle that can be phonetically rendered as "fee-bee-bay" or "fee-bee-fee-bee," whimsically resembling the word "Cheeseburger."

Breeding

Mountain Chickadees breed monogamously, with clutch sizes ranging from 5 to 9 eggs. The eggs are white, often speckled with terracotta, and incubation is carried out by the female for 14 days. The altricial young remain in the nest for 21 days, receiving care from both parents.

Similar Species

While similar in size and behavior to other chickadees, the Mountain Chickadee can be distinguished by its unique facial markings and its preference for higher elevations.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Mountain Chickadee is primarily insectivorous during the summer, with a shift to include more seeds from conifers and other plants throughout the year. They play a crucial role in controlling insect populations due to their dietary preferences.

Conservation status

The Mountain Chickadee is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline or habitat loss.