Chickadees are frequent feeders in my yard. They gather around the feeders with the finches several times a day and also line up on the backyard fence.

"Peterson Field Guides Eastern Birds" by Roger Tory Peterson, describes the Black Capped Chickadee as follows:

Black Capped Chicadee: Parus atricapillus 4 3/4 - 5 3/4" (12 - 14 cm) This small tame acrobat is distinctly patterned with a combination of black cap and bib, white cheeks. Sides buffy.

Voice: A clearly enunciated chick-a-dee-dee-dee, or dee-dee-dee. Song, a clear whistle, fee-bee-ee or fee-bee, first note higher.

Range: Alaska, Canada, norhtern half of U.S. Habitat: Mixed and deciduous woods; willow thickets, groves, shade trees. Visits feeders, where it eats suet, sunflower seeds.

Listen here to the song of the cheerful chickadee. (Sounds courtesy of 'The Sonds of Nature' by Doug Von Gausig.)


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