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Black-capped Chickadee Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    This tiny bird has a short neck and large head, giving it a distinctive, rather spherical body shape. It also has a long, narrow tail and a short bill a bit thicker than a warbler’s but thinner than a finch’s.

    Relative Size

    Smaller than a sparrow

    Relative Sizesparrow or smallersparrow-sized or smaller

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm)
      • Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz (9-14 g)
      • Wingspan: 6.3-8.3 in (16-21 cm)

    Shape of the Black-capped Chickadee© Scott Martin / Macaulay Library