[CBSlayer2004]

I was out birding today like I do every Saturday. But today was different, I decided to watch what I thought was an abnormally large Carolina Chickadee when I discovered it had some white on its wings. I looked it up and found out that only Black-Capped Chickadees have such strong white on their wings. It had been at my feeders since October, but I found out that it was a Black-Capped today. So I was wondering what a BCC was doing at my feeders?

[Tero]

It should have some white on the wing coverts as well. My Carolinas have white on the wings.

[dacol]

Originally Posted by CBSlayer2004

I was out birding today like I do every Saturday. But today was different, I decided to watch what I thought was an abnormally large Carolina Chickadee when I discovered it had some white on its wings. I looked it up and found out that only Black-Capped Chickadees have such strong white on their wings. It had been at my feeders since October, but I found out that it was a Black-Capped today. So I was wondering what a BCC was doing at my feeders?

BCCs in the eastern US move somewhat out of their breeding ranges in Fall and Winter. As you probably know BCCs breed along the Appalachian highlands at least south to the Great Smokies at high elevations (above 4000ft, lower further north, for example down to 1200ft at South Mountain in PA). In Winter they come down to lowlands and join mixed flocks that may include Carolina Chickadees too. Thus the closer you are to the highlands the greater your chances of seeing BCCs in Fall and Winter.

Dalcio

[CBSlayer2004]

But this white was shown at an angle that was not shown with Carolinas. I know it was a BCC because I've known my Carolinas for a long time and this one was definently not a CC.

[Joy2]

Blckcapped Chickadees are the New Brunswick Canada Provincial Bird. They are hardy little birds who stay yearound in New Brunswick. The extreme cold weather in the North of the Province seem in no way to dampen their spirits. They are very tame and will actualy take food from ones hand. Joy2

[Beverlybaynes]

CBS -- do remember that birds do NOT read field guides, and pay no attention to range maps. With seeing a Snowy Owl in August, and a Swallow-tailed Kite in September, both in northern Indiana and far out of range, I know for a fact that birds do wander and turn up in the oddest places and at the oddest times.

One other thing to consider, too: if you should be near the highland elevations, as dacol suggests, a 'mix' is something to think about. BCCs and CCs DO interbreed where their habitats overlap. I'm right at the range map 'line' for BCCs and CCs here, and telling them apart can be a nightmare -- gotta listen for that call!

[CBSlayer2004]

How do tell them apart?! It seems it would be just about impossible.