Carolina Chickadee

Poecile carolinensis

The Carolina chickadee is a small, plump bird with dark grayish wings and tail and a white belly. Adults have:

• White cheeks and a black “cap” on the head and "bib" on the neck.
• A short, dark-colored bill.
• Rust- or cinnamon-colored flanks.

Carolina chickadees grow to about 4.5 inches.

Where does the Carolina chickadee live?

Carolina chickadees can be found year-round from southern Pennsylvania to the southern, eastern and western reaches of the Bay watershed. They live in deciduous woodlands, as well as in towns and backyards.

What does the Carolina chickadee eat?

Carolina chickadees are omnivores, feeding mostly on insects but also on seeds, acorns and berries. They are very acrobatic while feeding, hanging upside down and tilting their head and body up to eat.

What does the Carolina chickadee sound like?

Carolina chickadees make a four-note whistle: fee-bee, fee-bay.

Where does the Carolina chickadee nest and breed?

Carolina chickadees build a nest of moss, feathers and plant detritus in a tree cavity.

• The female lays five to eight eggs, which both parents incubate for about two weeks.
• Young chickadees leave the nest about 13 to 17 days after hatching.

Other facts about the Carolina chickadee:

• The Carolina chickadee is the smallest chickadee found in North America.
• In the winter, when temperatures drop for long periods, Carolina chickadees survive by staying in a small cavity and lowering their body temperature to the point of hypothermia. They can remain this way for up to 15 hours.