Above: Boreal Chickadee - photo by Christian Artuso
What Does It Look Like?
Boreal Chickadees, similar in size to the more conspicuous Black-capped Chickadee, have a brown cap, a small white cheek patch and black bib, a brown back and warm cinnamon/buff flanks.
Above: Boreal Chickadee - photo by Christian Artuso
Where Does It Live?
This rather secretive species lives in the boreal forest from Alaska to Newfoundland and some adjacent northern tier states of the USA. Breeding normally occurs in coniferous forests but may also take place in mixed forests.
Above: Boreal Chickadee - photo by Christian Artuso
Does It Migrate?
These hardy little birds are generally year-round residents (minor migrational movements happen from time to time, at least in some populations).
Where Can I See It?
Riding Mountain National Park, Pinawa, Lac du Bonnet, Thompson and Churchill are places where this species has been regularly located.
Above: Boreal Chickadee - photo by Christian Artuso
Conservation:
Boreal Chickadee populations in the Maritimes are showing declines but otherwise appear to be stable in most of the species' range. Tree harvesting and forest fragmentation in eastern Manitoba has led to population declines at home.
Did You Know?
The diet of the Boreal Chickadee consists of spiders and insects, and the pupae and eggs of insects. Their diet is supplemented with conifer seeds and fruits. Like the Black-capped Chickadee, the Boreal Chickadee caches food for the cold months.
Above: Boreal Chickadee - photo by Christian Artuso