Carolina Chickadee
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Passeriformes Family: Paridae Genus: Poecile
Species: Poecile carolinensis
The Carolina Chickadee is a small songbird that is solitary during the summer months but gathers in small flocks during the winter. These small flocks have a sophisticated hierarchy in which only the highest ranking members are permitted to nest in the flock’s territory when the flock parts ways, leaving the weaker individuals to find another territory. This species primarily eats upside down by hanging from its feet to glean insects from its surroundings. It also uses its feed to hold larger food items as it takes bites. The Carolina Chickadee usually stays with the same mate for multiple years, and it nests in tree cavities it has found or has excavated itself. It has about 3-10 eggs per brood and 1 brood every year.
Conservation status: Least concern
Description: Black cap and throat with white on either side of the face; grey back with white underneath and rusty brown flanks; small, black bill with short wings and long tail
Length: 4-5 inches
Wingspan: 7 inches
Diet: Insects, spiders, and seeds
Habitat: Parks, backyards, and woodlands
Season: All year
Credit source: Cornell Lab of Ornithology
