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Black-capped Chickadee

(Parus atricapillus)
Banded March 11, 1999 - Indiana Dunes State Park

General Information

The Black-capped Chickadee, a familiar and popular visitor to back yard feeders across most of Canada and the northern US, is one of the more than 50 species of titmice and chickadees that occur worldwide (Harrap and Quinn 1995). It is one of the most studied species in the world (see Smith 1991), and has complex vocalizations approaching that of human speech. Most are year round residents, but some short distance movement may occur in winter. Other species of this group that occur in North America include the Mountain Chickadee, Mexican Chickadee, Bridled Titmouse, Boreal Chickadee, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Siberian Tit, Tufted Titmouse, Plain Titmouse, and Black-crested Titmouse.

The Black-capped Chickadee is from 4.75 to 5.75 inches long with a wingspan of from 7.5 to 8.5 inches. Weights range from 9.2 to 11.8 grams. They are similar in appearance to the Carolina Chickadee, and where their ranges overlap, they readily interbreed producing a range of hybrids.

Figure 1 - Black-capped Chickadee

Figure 2 - Black-capped Chickadee

The ragged lower edge of the bib of the Black-capped Chickadee contrasts with the neat line of the Carolina Chickadee (see Carolina Chickadee photos).

The amount of white in the wing of the Black-capped Chickadee is more extensive than in the Carolina Chickadee, especially in the wing coverts (Kaufman 1990).

Figure 3 - Black-capped Chickadee

Figure 4 - Bib of Black-capped Chickadee

The ragged lower edge of the black bib is clearly seen in this photo.

The more extensive white edging of the greater coverts is clearly seen in this photo.

Figure 5 - Upper Wing of Black-capped Chickadee

Figure 6 - Tail of Black-capped Chickadee

Chickadees can be aged based on the amount of white extending across the tip of the outer tail feathers (Pyle 1997). The outer white edge on the outer tail feather of this individual terminates where the feather shaft meets the edge of the tail. On adult birds, the white edging extends around the tip to the inside edge of the feather.

The shape and amount of wear on primary coverts is useful for aging Black-capped Chickadees (Pyle 1997). Outer primary coverts of younger birds are narrow, tapered and brownish with no grayish-brown edging. Adult coverts are broad, truncate with broad grayish edging.

Figure 7 - Primary Coverts, Black-capped Chickadee

Nesting Behavior

Black-capped Chickadees are cavity nesters, using an existing cavity or often excavating their own cavity in rotten wood. From 6 to 8 eggs, incubated by the female, hatch in about two weeks. Young, tended by both parents, leave the nest in about 16 days. The fledglings stay with the parents for up to a month before launching out on their own.

Banding Recoveries

The Bird Banding Lab web site reports that between 1955 and 1997, a total of 497,620 Black-capped chickadees were banded. Of these, 14,724 have been recovered, a relatively good recovery rate of 2.96 %.
Banding studies show that the Black-capped Chickadee can live up to 12 years in the wild. They are resident birds.

If you should recover a banded bird, please report the band number to the Bird Banding Lab by calling 1-800-327-BAND.

Conservation Status & Economic Importance

Population data indicates that Black-capped Chickadees are doing well. These birds provide a beneficial service by foraging over twigs and branches and bark for their favorite foods of caterpillars, insect eggs, scale insects, aphids, and other insect pests. Their diet also consists of snails, seeds and fruit. Seeds are often stored for later consumption.

Literature Cited

Harrap, S., and D. Quinn. 1995. Chickadees, tits, nuthatches and treecreepers. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ. 464 Pp.

Kaufman, K. 1990. A field guide to advanced birding. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston. 299 Pp.

Pyle, P. 1997. Identification guide to North American Birds. Part 1. Slate Creek Press, Bolinas, CA. 732 Pp.

Smith, S. 1991. The Black-capped chickadee. Behavioral ecology and natural history. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY. 362 Pp.

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