Two common cheery calls of the chickadee are easy to remember and can be heard year round. The first call is heard from the tree tops which most people recognize but can't figure out what bird makes the call: "cheeeeeese bur-gers".
This is the call you hear on the recording.

The second is a call that gives them their name:
"chick-a -dee-dee-dee-dee"

Another call not heard as often is a little yodel made from half-way up the tree while other chickadees are nearby.

Chickadees belong to the Order Passeriformes (Perching birds) and to the Family Paridae. In the Pacific Northwest, we have 4 species of kinds of chickadees which all share a black throat bib, dark cap, and white cheeks. All species prefer forest habitats.

The most common species is the Black-capped Chickadee Parus atricapillus. It can be rocognized by its olive back and buffy undersides.

Chickadees are smaller than sparrows and very acrobatic. They can be seen hanging upside down looking for insect eggs on the undersides of leaves.

They are non-migratory (live here year round) with the exception of those that live in the mountains who migration up the mountain side in the spring and down in the fall.

In the winter, chickadees flock in small numbers up to 12 birds and defend a small territory of about 20 acres. Monogamous mates stay together over the winter and pair off again on their own territory come spring. Young unmated birds may leave one flock and join another in order to find mate. . Each bird within the flock learns where it fits in the hierarchy. Sometimes, similar-looking nuthatches will join the flock.

Males, females and young look alike.

By the end of February, pairs search for and select a nesting cavity. They prefer natural holes such as those created when a large branch breaks off at the tree trunk or those made by woodpeckers, but will use wooden boxes as well. If no suitable site exists, they will choose a soft rotting tree stump and dig out a new nest two to three meters off the ground. Small wood pieces are carried away from the nest and scattered so as not to leave a sign a nest is nearby. The nest is finished about 2 weeks later.

The nest is lined with moss or fur and about eight small white eggs with reddish flecks are laid. The male feeds the female while she incubates the eggs (about 12 days). Both parents care for the young until they fledge (about 16 days) and afterwards until about three weeks after when they begin to disperse.

To protect nests and young from predators, a flock will mob (or dive bomb) the offending bird or cat while chattering, buzzing or giving other alarm calls. Their eggs are eaten by crows, squirrels and starlings and adults are caught on the wing by Sharp-shinned, Coopers Hawks, day active owls and raccoons.

In the winter, the nest is used as an escape from the cold and several birds may huddle together inside to keep warm during cold spells. In the wild, Chickadees eat mostly insects, insect eggs, spiders, spider eggs, berries and small seeds such a those from fir cones. Extra food is cached or hidden under bark for the winter when food is scarce. In winter, they poke their tiny bill under bark and in cracks of twigs and at branch tips looking for insect and spider eggs. It has been estimated that they eat several hundred insect eggs per day.

Chickadees are easily attracted to feeders with suet, sunflower seeds and peanuts. Raw bones with bits of meat still attached will be pecked clean as well.

To get a closer look at the tiny bundles of energy and high spirits, make a "psh"ing sound by pursing your lips and blowing, kissing the back of your hand like a squirrel call or try using an Audubon bird caller (available at Bird Stores) which makes squeaks and chirps which also attract them within arms distance. A series of three noises with a break between usually works best. Try it!

These tiny but bold birds will take a sunflower seed or nut from your hand if you extend your arm at shoulder height and stand still and quiet under a tree where they can escape quickly.

by Donna Hill B.Sc. B.Ed. 1998