Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis)

Carolina Chickadees are common permanent residents in the southern two thirds of New Jersey. They are abruptly replaced by the very similar Black-capped Chickadee in the northern third. There is very little overlap between the two. They are best distinguished by voice, but in the area of contact they are said to imitate each other's calls although some of these may be hybrids. Plumage differences include Carolina having a more abrupt straight lower border to its black bib and less white in its greater wing coverts but these features can be affected by plumage wear in the breeding season. This individual is in fresh plumage showing all gray greater coverts. The New Jersey population is the northernmost subspecies "P. c. extimus" which is slightly larger and has more white on its secondaries as seen here. Previously included in the genus "Parus."