The boreal chickadee is a small passerine songbird in the tit family Paridae. It is found in the boreal forests of Alaska, Canada and the northern United States and remains within this range all year. This bird is known for its high pitched trill patterns used in communication with other birds and food storage habits in preparation for winter months.
Region
Northern North America
Typical Environment
Primarily inhabits conifer-dominated boreal forests, especially stands of spruce, fir, tamarack, and jack pine. It favors wet bogs, muskeg, and forest edges, but also occurs in mixed woodlands with a strong conifer component. Nests are usually in cavities of rotting stumps or snags that the birds excavate themselves. Generally remains within its home range year-round, even during severe winters.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Continental
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This chickadee is a year-round resident of North America’s boreal forest and is noted for its food-caching behavior to survive long winters. It has a distinctive brown cap and buffy flanks that set it apart from the black-capped chickadee. Its calls are buzzy and hoarse, and it often joins mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Forms monogamous pairs during the breeding season and nests in self-excavated cavities in decayed wood. In winter it joins small flocks, often mixed with kinglets and nuthatches, and engages in extensive food caching. Territories are defended near nest sites but birds are more tolerant in winter flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are hoarse and buzzy, including a rough 'szee-szee' and a harsh 'chick-a-dee-dee' call. Notes are lower and more nasal than those of the black-capped chickadee, carrying well through dense conifers.
Plumage
Soft brown cap and back with grayish upperparts, white cheek patch, and a small dark throat bib; warm buffy flanks and pale underparts.
Diet
Feeds on insects and spiders, especially caterpillars and larvae, during the breeding season. In winter, consumes conifer seeds, berries, and cached food items. Frequently hides food under bark or in crevices and revisits caches using spatial memory.
Preferred Environment
Forages among twigs and needles of conifers, probing bark and gleaning from branch tips. Also visits forest edges and occasionally bird feeders for suet and sunflower seeds.
