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Carolina Chickadee
(Parus carolinesis)
Photo by permission of Bill Horn
Seasons in Walnut Creek: Year-round resident
The Carolina chickadee is the smallest species of chickadee. They defend their territory and chase other birds away. The Carolina chickadee’s small size helps it to hide in the shrubs and trees; they nest in tree cavities or in bird houses.
Key Field Marks:
- The Carolina chickadee is black grey and white
- Small, short billed- bird
- Black cap, black bib ,and white cheeks
- Size 10-12 cm (4-5in)
- Wing span 15-20cm (6-8in)
- Weight 8-12g (0.28-0.42oz)
Key Behaviors:
- Live in family groups of two to eight birds through winter
- Dominant birds within flock establishes breeding territory in spring
- In the spring they find mates and stay with one mate for the season
Habit and Range:
- Woodlands, swamps, riparian areas, open woods, and parks
- New Jersey westward to southeastern Kansas and central Texas; southward to Gulf Coast and northern Florida
- Common through out North Carolina
Walnut Creek Sighting: Multiple sightings near the greenway in every season.
Photo by permission of
Greg Lasley Nature Photography
Photo by permission of
Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
This page prepared by 8th grader Maria W.
Exploris Middle School - Fall 2008
