Black-capped Chickadee Photo Gallery
Adult
Small and compact, with a thin, short bill. Black cap and bib contrast with white cheeks, gray back and wings, and light buffy underparts.
© Scott Martin / Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, February 03, 2017Adult
Often moves acrobatically through small branches, and can perch sideways or upside-down.
© Kyle Tansley / Macaulay LibraryVermont, May 25, 2020Adult
Song is a 2-noted, clear whistle, with the second note lower than the first.
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryMissouri, May 04, 1997Not all videos have soundAdult
Bold black-and-white head pattern strongly contrasts with the rest of the plumage.
© Evan Lipton / Macaulay LibraryRhode Island, December 20, 2016Adult
Small bill and long tail impart a compact, rotund look. Note white-edged secondaries.
© Darlene Friedman / Macaulay LibraryMichigan, March 24, 2011Adult
Both male and female chickadees excavate a cavity in a site usually selected by the female.
© Jay McGowan / Macaulay LibraryNew York, April 19, 2021Not all videos have soundAdult
Forages for seeds both on wild plants and bird feeders.
© Kent McFarland / Macaulay LibraryVermont, September 03, 2012Adult
Nests in holes in trees and nest boxes. Occurs in a wide variety of wooded and shrubby habitats.
© Monique Maynard / Macaulay LibraryQuebec, May 19, 2017Adult
Often visits feeders, including suet feeders. Note the extensive white edging to the feathers of the wing.
© Matthew D. Medler / Macaulay LibraryNew York, November 30, 2014Not all videos have soundAdult
When agitated, chickadees scold with their chick-a-dee calls, or sometimes shorten the calls to a string of "dee" notes. These birds are responding to the call of an Eastern Screech-Owl.
© Jay McGowan / Macaulay LibraryNew York, September 09, 2012Not all videos have soundCompare with Similar Species
Click on an image to compare
Species in This Family
Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice(Order: Passeriformes, Family: Paridae)
Don't miss a thing! Join our email list
The Cornell Lab will send you updates about birds,
birding, and opportunities to help bird conservation.