Tufted Titmouse

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

Least Concern

With its signature grey plumage and tufted grey crest, the Tufted Titmouse is a familiar sight across the Eastern United States. Known for their hearty song and upside-down foraging habits, these lively birds add a touch of character to deciduous and mixed forests, gardens, and parks.

Appearance and Identification

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Color

Grey

Primary Color (juvenile)

Grey

Secondary Colors

White, Black

Secondary Colors (female)

Secondary Colors (juvenile)

White, Black

Secondary Colors (seasonal)

Wing Color

Grey

Wing Color (juvenile)

Grey

Beak Type

Short

Beak Color

Black

Beak Color (juvenile)

Black

Leg Color

Bluish Gray

Leg Color (juvenile)

Bluish Gray

Distinctive Markings

White front, grey upper body and a tufted grey crest, rust colored flanks

Distinctive Markings (juvenile)

Less pronounced than adults

Tail Description

Long, grey and broad

Tail Description (juvenile)

Shorter and less broad

Size Metrics

14cm to 16cm

Length

20cm to 26cm

Wingspan

18g to 26g

Weight

Photos

Click on an image below to see the full-size version

Vocalization and Sounds

Primary Calls

Whistled peter-peter-peter

Call Description

A loud, whistling song that lasts about 2 seconds

Alarm Calls

A harsh, scolding call

Behavior and Social Structure

Daily Activities

Active during the day, foraging for food in the morning and evening

Social Habits

Territorial during mating season, otherwise they are social

Territorial Behavior

Defends feeding and nesting territories, especially during mating season

Migratory Patterns

Non-migrant

Interaction with Other Species

Occasionally interacts with other bird species, particularly in feeding areas

Diet

Primary Diet

Insects, Seeds

Feeding Habits

Forages in trees and shrubs, often hanging upside down

Feeding Times

Throughout the day

Prey Capture Method

Gleaning

Diet Variations

Diet varies based on season, feeding on insects during summer and seeds during winter

Special Dietary Needs (if any)

None known

Nesting

Nesting Location

Cavities in trees or nest boxes

Nest Construction

Constructed with soft materials, often lined with hair

Breeding Season

Spring

Number of clutches (per breeding season)

One or two

Egg Appearance

White, small and speckled with reddish spots

Egg Size

Approximately 1.5cm x 2cm

Clutch Characteristics

3-9 eggs, 5-6 most common

Incubation Period

Around 14 days

Fledgling Period

Approximately 2 weeks

Parental Care

Both parents feed chicks and females solely incubate

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

Eastern United States with small populations in Southern Canada

Habitat Description

Deciduous and mixed forests, gardens, parks

Elevation Range

Sea level to 2000m

Migration Patterns

Non-migrant

Biome

Temperate Forest

Climate zones

Temperate

Distribution Map

Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.

© 2024 - Birdfact