Feeder birds
Black-capped Chickadee
Poecile atricapillus
The black-capped chickadee is a small, nonmigratory, North American passerine bird that lives in deciduous and mixed forests. It is a member of the Paridae family, also known as tits.
Tiny, with a black cap and bib, white cheeks and a gray back.
- Scientific name
- Poecile atricapillus
- Group
- Feeder birds
- Main color
- Gray
- Conservation (IUCN)
- Least concern
Diet
Insects (especially caterpillars) form a large part of their diet in summer.
Range and habitat
Black-capped chickadees are non-migratory and can be found throughout much of North America.
Lifespan
Maximum recorded lifespan is 12 years, although most live roughly 2.5 years.
Voice
One of the most recognizable sounds produced, particularly by the males, is the two-note fee-bee song.
More photos
Black-capped Chickadee FAQ
What does the Black-capped Chickadee eat?
Insects (especially caterpillars) form a large part of their diet in summer.
How long does the Black-capped Chickadee live?
Maximum recorded lifespan is 12 years, although most live roughly 2.5 years.
How do I identify a Black-capped Chickadee?
Tiny, with a black cap and bib, white cheeks and a gray back.
Where does the Black-capped Chickadee live?
Black-capped chickadees are non-migratory and can be found throughout much of North America.
Is the Black-capped Chickadee endangered?
No. The IUCN Red List rates the Black-capped Chickadee as least concern (status read from Wikidata).
Facts on this page are summarized from the Wikipedia article on the Black-capped Chickadee (read October 27, 2026) and conservation status from Wikidata. Quick ID notes are Birdstagram's own summary.