Carolina Chickadee (Peocile carolinensis) - Chesapeake Bay Program

<body> <p><i>Peocile carolinensis</I> is one of seven chickadee species that occur in North America. Similar in coloration and habit to the black-capped chickadee, its northern cousin, the Carolina chickadee sometimes confuses the two species where their ranges overlap, mates with its cousin, and hybrids occur. Carolina chickadees belong to the largest order of birds, the Passerformes. This perching species remains in its range throughout its life cycle and does not migrate, often remains monogamous through several mating seasons and may live up to ten years.</p> <p>The Carolina chickadee is the predominant chickadee of the southeastern United States. Its range extends from central New Jersey down to northern Florida and Georgia, and west through Texas and Oklahoma. The black-capped chickadee overlaps its cousin’s range in southern Kansas and northern Ohio, but it is possible to distinguish between the two, based on their vocalizations. The Carolina chickadee’s call is generally a four-note whistle, which sounds slightly higher than the shorter fee-bee call of the black-capped chickadee. Apparently hybrids tend to have a three-note call, distinguishing them from both their parents.</p> <p>Carolina chickadee is slightly smaller than the black-capped and is the smallest North American chickadee, usually about 4.25 inches in length. It has a short bill, white cheeks and a black cap and bib. The belly and cheeks are white, and wings and tail are usually dark gray. It may have rust or cinnamon-colored flanks. Sexes are similar in both species. Black caps generally have longer tails than the Carolina chickadee.</p> <p>Chickadees nest in cavities; either using abandoned woodpecker nests, natural cavities, or excavating their own nests in decayed wood. They line the cavity in feathers and down, plant detritus or moss, and the female lays a clutch of between 5 and 8 eggs, which both adults incubate for a period of just under two weeks. Fledglings leave the nest about 13 to 17 days after hatching. </p> <p>Carolina chickadees are omnivorous, and will consume aphids, ants and beetles; spiders; and also seeds of plants and trees, including redbud, pine and mulberry. They prefer forests and woodland habitats but are a common sight in suburban backyards, and will eat from backyard bird feeders. They are adaptive creatures, survivors of fickle mid-Atlantic winters, which can be unseasonably cold. When temperatures drop for long periods, the Carolina chickadee survives by roosting in small cavities and lowering its body temperature to the point of hypothermia, for up to 15 hours, which helps them conserve energy.</p> </body>