The black-capped chickadee is a small, nonmigratory, North American passerine bird that lives in deciduous and mixed forests. It is a member of the Paridae family, also known as tits. It has a distinct black cap on its head, a black bib underneath, and white cheeks. It has a white belly, buff sides, and grey wings, back, and tail. The bird is well known for its vocalizations, including its fee-bee song and its chick-a-dee-dee-dee call, from which it derives its name.
Region
North America
Typical Environment
Widespread across Canada, Alaska, and the northern United States, favoring deciduous and mixed conifer–hardwood forests. Common in forest edges, riparian corridors, parks, and suburban yards with mature trees. Frequently associates with mixed-species foraging flocks in winter. Readily adapts to human presence and often visits bird feeders in residential areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Black-capped chickadees cache thousands of food items and can recall their locations months later. They tolerate extreme cold by fluffing feathers and entering regulated nocturnal hypothermia to conserve energy. Their famous chick-a-dee call varies in complexity to signal predator type and urgency.
Black-capped chickadee clinging to a wire
Black-capped chickadee, Iona Beach Regional Park
Eating seeds in Central Park
Black-capped chickadee at a feeder
A black-capped chickadee excavating a nest cavity in a dead tree
Black-capped chickadee hatchlings are altricial and born without feathers
A Maine registration plate, with a black-capped chickadee on the left
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding undulations
Social Behavior
Forms small, cohesive flocks in winter with clear dominance hierarchies and often joins mixed-species groups. Monogamous pairs nest in natural cavities or excavate soft, decayed wood; they readily use nest boxes. Known food cachers, retrieving stored seeds and insects during lean periods.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Males give a clear, whistled fee-bee or hey, sweetie song, especially during breeding season. The chick-a-dee-dee call is variable, with more dee notes often indicating higher perceived threat.
