Chickadees (Poecile)

Chickadees are a genus of perching birds (Poecile) in the Paridae family. Seven different species are found in the United States, with most regionally situated. The Carolina Chickadee, for example, is the dominant chickadee species of the Southeast. The top picture shows the Chestnut-backed Chickadee, a Pacific Northwest resident.

The National Audubon Society lists the Boreal Chickadee, a species at home in Alaskan and Canadian boreal forests, as one of the top five common North American birds experiencing severe population decline.

Most Chickadees are year-round residents in their territory, although some migrate short distances during winter in search of a more consistent food source.

Their diet is varied, consisting of insects, fruit and seeds. During winter they are common visitors to many backyard bird feeders.

In addition to their familiar chick-a-dee-dee-dee call, Chickadees are known to have a complex vocabulary. Their songs send greetings, warnings and food discoveries, among other topics, to members of their small chickadee circle as well as other bird species within hearing range.

The bottom picture shows the Black-capped Chickadee, a Northern species found in forests and residential areas from Alaska to Maine. It is easily identified by the solid black patch on the head and throat.

The Black-capped Chickadee is the state bird of Maine and Massachusetts.

© 2008. Patricia A. Michaels