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Wild Birds

Massachusetts State Bird

Massachusetts state bird: Black capped Chickadee Poecile atricapilla

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Massachusetts State Bird Description:

Size: 5 to 6 inches (12-15 cm)
Wingspan: 6 to 8 inches (16-21 cm)
Weight: .32 to .49 ounces (9-14 g)

The Black capped Chickadee is a small, short-billed bird. It has a black cap, black bib, white cheeks and a greyish white belly. Its back is pale grey and the tail is rather long with outer feathers broadly edged in white. The males and the females look the same.

Habitat:

The Black capped Chickadee is common in mixed forests, clearings and urban areas. They are easy to find at forest edges, in old fields, thickets and parks.

Range:

Diet:

This cute little bird moves acrobatically through tree branches in search of insects. They will also eat some berries. They are easily attracted to bird feeders. Chickadees favor black oil sunflower seeds, which they will hold in their feet to crack open.

Nesting:

The Black capped Chickadee is a cavity nester. Will use moss and wood chips to construct their nest in a natural cavity or rotten wood. Will nest in birdhouses and nest boxes

The clutch size is normally 6 to 8 eggs with a 12-day incubation period.

A Few Things You Probably Didn't Know About the Massachusetts State Bird:

Chickadees will hide seeds for later recovery. Items are hidden in different locations requiring a bird to remember thousands of hiding places.
Males and females form large flocks in the winter. The flocks disperse into pairs during breeding season.
These little balls of energy can be coaxed into feeding from your hands.

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