![]() ![]() By doing this - a concept ecologists call “niche partitioning” - they are able to divvy up a common resource in a way that reduces or eliminates competition between them. Ecologists who have studied this find these birds feed in different parts of the tree - nuthatches and creepers on the main trunk, the chickadees and titmice on larger branches, and kinglets on the smaller side branches. Wait you say, maybe more eyes helps spot predators but don’t the other birds in the flock mean direct competition for food at a time of year when food supplies are at a yearly low? Wouldn’t this competition for food outweigh the benefit of being able to more easily see predators? Actually no. By flocking this time of year with other species chickadees can feed more efficiently since there are more eyes to discern predators (Eastern Screech-Owls and Sharp-shinned Hawks eat chickadees) and to find food. These flocks move systematically through a woodland seeking food. In wintertime chickadees form mixed species flocks with other songbirds including Tufted Titmice, Downy Woodpecker, both White-breasted and Red-breasted Nuthatches, Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets, and Brown Creeper. They are quite adept at finding prey and due to special muscles and tendons in their legs are able to hang upside down to probe for food on the underside of leaves and branches. ![]() Photo by John TurnerĬhickadees are animated birds, often flitting around in both trees and shrubs, probing the recesses of bark, amidst leaves, and along branches for prey, often vocalizing their well-known onomatopoeic “chick-a-dee” call (or their ‘hey sweetie’ whistle) as they move about. A black-capped chickadee at Elizabeth Morton National Refuge. Given the distinctiveness of their plumage they are not likely to be confused with any other bird here on Long Island. They’re active, vocal, and small, have an extensive and distinctive black throat bib, and a head fitted with a black cap (the species part of the scientific name Poecile atricapilla means “the black hair of the head” and Poecile is Greek for pied - a reference to the two tone look of the bird - grey on top, white on the bottom). The species? The Black-capped Chickadee.īlack-capped Chickadees are the definition of cute. There’s one bird, however, that elicits a different response -whenever I see one it automatically puts a smile on my face, often followed by a verbal “hello little fella” response. A Scarlet Tanager or Baltimore Oriole flitting among oak flowers in the dappled sunlight of a Spring forest produces a breathtaking wow. Watching an Osprey dive into the bay with talons flaring and pulling away with a wriggling fish, creates head-nodding awe. In addition to lots of info about birds, you’ll have a chance to try out several types of binoculars and scopes, helping you choose the type that will work the best for you.I f you’re attracted to birds then you’re also very aware of how they can elicit reactions. He’s happy to help can help new birders learn about birds – what they eat, where they prefer to live, and how to use a field guide correctly, saving you it saves hours of time and frustration from simply flipping through the pages looking for ‘a yellow bird.’ Understanding basic bird behavior and learning how to really ‘see’ birds will likely make you a much happier birder.īert Schweigert has been watching birds since he was a small boy. ![]() And when you do, how do you know what you’ve just seen?ĭo you know the distinctive movements of a phoebe? Where to look for a cardinal? How high in the trees to look for a scarlet tanager? ![]() There are plenty of other birds that like to hide in the leaves or the grasses, making it hard to find them. He’s also not a particularly shy bird, likely be easy to spot if you just sit still. The Chickadee is visually appealing, with clear colors and a rounded body and head. “Hey Sweetie!” That’s how my friend identifies the call of the Black-capped Chickadee, one of our common, year-round birds. ![]()
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