An Activity Guide About the Songbirds of British Columbia Family PARIDAE: Chickadees uses bird feeder uses wildlife trees

FIELD MARKS There are four species of chickadees in British Columbia. These popular little birds with their sweet voices and sociable nature have strong, small bills, short, round wings and fluffy feathers. Their familiar "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" call is easily recognizable. FOOD Chickadees forage in woods and clearings for insects, seeds and berries. To help them survive the cold, they gather seeds and insects and hide them in holes and cracks in bark. Like jays, the chickadees use this store in the winter months when food is scarce. These birds usually put on amazing acrobatic performances when feeding. They often hang upside down on a branch to reach food that is out of reach to other birds. They frequently eat from feeders in the winter and have also been known to eat out of people's hands. HABITAT Chickadees live in dense woods. They are not strong fliers and usually do not migrate in the winter. They are surprisingly well adapted to survive cold conditions. NESTING They build their nests in cavities in trees. Anything from natural hollows in living and dead trees, to old woodpecker holes and birdhouses. The female usually builds the nests and incubates the eggs. The male feeds the female while she incubates the eggs. Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens)