- Poecile rufescens
Identification
11.5–12.5 cm
- Chestnut back, sides, flanks, and rump
- Pale grey white underparts
- Dark blackish-brown cap
- Black bib
- White cheeks
- White belly
Sexes and juveniles alike
Distribution
Coastal pacific states from central California north to Alaska. Also found in Idaho and western Montana.
Taxonomy
Subspecies[1]
This is a polytypic species consisting of three subspecies:
- P. r. rufescens:
- Alaska to coastal central California and Sierra Nevada of northern California
- P. r. neglectus:
- Coastal California (south-western Marin County)
- P. r. barlowi:
- Coastal southern California (San Francisco Bay to Santa Barbara Co.)
Habitat
Found in coniferous forests, especially of Douglas fir, and mixed and deciduous woodlands. Visits backyard feeders.
Behaviour
Breeding
It nests in cavities, using fur and hair from deer, rabbits or coyotes. The clutch consists of 5-8 eggs.
Diet
The diet includes insects, invertebrates, conifer seeds and fruit.
References
- Clements, JF. 2009. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to December 2009. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019.
- Wikipedia
- BF Member observations
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Chestnut-backed Chickadee. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 29 April 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Chestnut-backed_Chickadee
