The Black-capped Chickadee
One Feather at a Time — Ep. 3
The Black-capped Chickadee is a small songbird commonly seen across much of Canada, especially in woodlands, parks, and suburban areas. Its distinctive black cap and bib contrast with white cheeks and soft gray wings, making it easy to recognize even at close range.
Black-capped Chickadee
It’s a year-round resident throughout southern Canada and is known for its curiosity and boldness around humans. Chickadees often travel in mixed flocks and frequently visit feeders, where they’ll take one seed at a time and fly off to eat or store it.
Their most familiar vocalization is the namesake “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call, which changes in intensity depending on the context—especially when alerting others to potential danger. They also produce a clear two-note song, often described as “fee-bee” or “hey-sweetie.”
These birds measure around 4.5–5.5 inches (11–14 cm) in length with a wingspan of about 6–8 inches (15–20 cm). Despite their small size, chickadees are hardy—able to survive harsh Canadian winters by storing food and fluffing their feathers to trap heat.
The Black-capped Chickadee is well-loved for its personality, distinct look, and vocal charm. It’s an easy species to observe, photograph, and identify—making it a memorable and frequent encounter in most regions.
