Of the five major species of chickadees found in the United States and Canada, the Black-capped Chickadee is the most widespread, numerous and geographically variable. This bird brightens winter days at bird feeders. It is curious, with little or no fear of humans, and is famous for being easily trained to eat out of a person's hand.
During the fall, we may see them in groups along with other bird species. The advantage is that many eyes are more likely to find food.
The Black-capped Chickadee has a black cap, white cheeks, back bib and gray underparts. Sideband flanks are tuff and the tail feathers are edged in white.
Three subspecies of the Black-capped Chickadee differ in several characteristics. A northwestern group is small and dark-backed with heavy buff flanks. An interior western group is large and pale-backed with broad white wing edging. An eastern subspecies is generally intermediate between the other two, with a prominence of white wing edging and richness of buff tan sides.
Like many birds, Black-capped Chickadees are omnivores. They eat a diet of seeds, berries, insects, invertebrates and, occasionally, small portions of carrion. Chickadees have a fondness of storing food and eating it later. In autumn, chickadees replace old neurons in their brains with new ones which gives them more space to store new information. This is similar to us forgetting old phone numbers to make room for e-mail addresses!
Black-capped Chickadees' calls are complex and language-like. They communicate information on identity and recognition of other flocks as well as predator alarms and contact calls. The traditional call is chick-a-dee-dee-dee. The more dee notes in the call, the higher level of threat. Most birds that associate with chickadee flocks respond to chickadee alarm calls, even when their own species does not have a similar alarm call. Black-capped Chickadees also have a fee bee call that almost sounds like a whistle.
The Black-capped Chickadee is the state bird of Maine and Massachusetts and the provincial bird of New Brunswick.
A group of chickadees is called a banditry of chickadees. The collective noun probably refers to the mask-like appearance of the bird.
The chickadee is a fun bird to observe. It is still my favorite.
There's a chill in the air. Many bird species are flying south for the winter. Should people feed birds at this time of year?
Absolutely, yes.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that giving birds a steady source of food will encourage them to stay and then later starve if feeders become empty during cold weather. Food source is a minor factor in migration. Daylight levels, climate and instinct play more important roles.
In fact, feeding birds in the fall helps local migratory birds build reserves of fat for the energy needed for their flight south.
Another reason to offer nourishment in autumn is that the food helps migrating birds that come through our area to refuel and continue on their way. It's like providing rest stops along interstate highways.
For birds that do not migrate, fall feeding offers nutrition when natural food is depleting. This has been a strange year: a later spring followed by continuously hot weather and a lack of rain in summer. Who knows what natural food will be found?
Available food at feeders attracts the first of the winter arrivals and encourages them to stay nearby all season long. Juncos and White-throated Sparrows could be a common sight if you have food for them when they arrive.
Select energy sources with high oil content and high calories. These foods include black oil sunflower seed, white millet, safflower, peanuts and Nyjer. Don't forget suet!
Make sure feeders are clean and the seed is dry throughout the season. Mild daytimes are ideal for giving feeders a thorough cleansing. Make sure feeders are dry before refilling.
And as usual, sit back and enjoy the show!
