Species · GBIF taxon 2487805
Black-capped Chickadee
Poecile atricapillusThese energetic little songbirds are famous for their remarkable memory, caching thousands of seeds and insects each autumn and recalling their exact locations months later. During harsh winter nights, they lower their body temperature into a state of regulated hypothermia to conserve vital energy. Their complex chick-a-dee call communicates specific information about nearby threats, with additional dee syllables signaling higher levels of danger.
ActiveVocalSocial
- diet
- Insects, spiders, seeds, berries, and suet
- family
- Paridae
- threats
- Habitat fragmentation, domestic cat predation, and pesticide use
- life Span
- 2 to 12 years
LC
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Backyard Feeders: Offer black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet to easily attract them.
- Listen Closely: Count the dee notes in their call to gauge their alarm level.
- Patience: Stand still with seed in your hand; they are bold enough to land on fingers.