Animalia Life
Poecile atricapilla
SUBFAMILY
Parinae
TAXONOMY
Parus atricapillus Linnaeus, 1766. Nine subspecies.
OTHER COMMON NAMES
English: Black-capped tit; French: Mйsange а tкte noire; German:
Schwarzkopfmeise; Spanish: Carbonero de Capucha Negra.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
4.8–5.7 in (12.3–14.6 cm); 0.3–0.5 oz (10–14 g); plumage characteristic
of the ‘black-capped’ tits; sexes similar.
DISTRIBUTION
P. a. atricapillus: northeastern United States and eastern Canada;
P. a. practicus: Appalachian mountains in eastern United States;
P. a. bartletti: Newfoundland; P. a. turneri: Alaska and northwestern
Canada; P. a. septentrionalis: mid-continental North
America; P. a. occidentalis: western coast of United States; P. a.
fortuitus: western United States to east of Cascade Mountains;
P. a. nevadensis: Great Basin area of United States; P. a. garrinus:
Rocky Mountains of United States.
HABITAT
Prefers deciduous or mixed woodland, including open habitats
such as parks and gardens, and willow and cottonwood thickets.
Frequently associated with birch (Betula) and alder (Alnus).
BEHAVIOR
Typically resident and territorial, but in mountain areas may
show seasonal movements to lower elevations. Forms mixedspecies
flocks outside of breeding periods with distinct
dominance-hierarchies. Has a variety of calls, including the
familiar loud chick-a-dee.
FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET
Forages throughout tree canopy and especially on bark in winter.
Rarely forages on the ground. Diet comprises a wide range
of invertebrates as well as fruits and seeds. Like many other
tits, stores food in autumn for use in the winter. Can save energy
overnight by regulated hypothermia, lowering body temperature
by up to 53.6°F (12°C).
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
Nests in cavities in trees, excavating own hole (both sexes) or
using natural holes, and will use nest-boxes that are partly
filled with sawdust. Lays eggs mid-April to late May, usually a
single clutch of six to eight eggs (maximum 13). Female incubates
for 12–13 days and broods for 12–16 days. Young birds
disperse from parents’ territory after three to four weeks and
form flocks with unrelated adults or become floaters.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Not threatened. A common and very widespread species, with
a typical density of 0.6 pairs/acre (0.25 pairs/ha).
SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS
None known.
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