Black-crested Titmouse
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Passeriformes Family: Paridae Genus: Baeolophus
Species: Baeolophus astricristatus
The Black-crested Titmouse is a small songbird that feeds off of insects by hanging upside-down and gleaning them from nearby foliage. It usually nests in the cavities of trees, and it lays about 4-7 eggs in each clutch and has 1-2 clutches each year. It can be easily identified by the tall crest on its head and the black color of the crest’s front. There are estimated to be about 1 million of these birds globally, with around 52% living in the United States.
Conservation status: Least concern
Description: Black-crested head with rusty flanks and whitish underbelly; males have long and dark crests that are usually erect while females’ crests are lighter
Length: 6-7 inches
Wingspan: 10 inches
Diet: Insects, spiders, berries, nuts, and insect eggs
Habitat: Parks, woodlands, or backyards
Season: All year
Credit source: Cornell Lab of Ornithology
