Of the seven chickadee species in North America, two call the Blue Ridge home – Black-capped (northern region) and Carolina (southern region) with overlap between.
Mike Blevins
The dividing line is loosely in the mid-Appalachians with the Carolina Chickadee usually found at lower elevations in those areas. Shared zones and interbreeding make identification challenging since they also learn each other’s songs.
The name for this cheerful and active species likely relates to the human translation of its alarm call: “chick-a-dee-dee-dee.”
A sociable songbird, this member of the tit family Paridae enjoys suet and black oil sunflower seeds. This makes them a feeder-favorite. They also include insects, small fruits and berries in their diet while foraging upside-down, sideways and in midair. Chickadees have been seen storing and retrieving food.
After forming pairs in autumn, they often live and travel in small flocks with other small birds during winter. In spring, both sexes prepare a cavity for a nest, which is built by the female. For nesting boxes, locate them five to fifteen feet in the air with the 1 1/8” entrance hole facing away from the general wind direction. The box should measure 5 ½” square.
It’s thought that ‘dees might mate for life.
Fun Facts
To the First Nation Cherokee, the chickadee was a bird of truth. Also, its black cap symbolized an ability to discern the higher mysteries of the mind. Despite its diminutive size, chickadees regularly display fearlessness in the face of danger.
Mike Blevins
How to Identify Chickadees
In addition to the elevation preference, identifying a Black-capped Chickadee versus a Carolina Chickadee can be a challenge. Look for more white-edging on the Black-capped and listen for a “see-bee” or “see-bee-bee” (two- or three-syllable whistle). The Carolina sings a four-syllable “see-bee-see-bay” song.
Chickadee Habitat
Mixed woodlands and shady groves, forest edges and suburban areas with cavity nesting site opportunities. When ranges overlap, the Black-capped birds seem to prefer deciduous or broad-leaf forests where trees drop their leaves seasonally.
Conservation Note
Numbers stable and widespread in the Blue Ridge.
ABOUT THIS SERIES:
“Birds of the Blue Ridge” showcases frequently seen and rare birds across the southern Appalachian region. For over four decades, Angela Minor has traveled with binoculars and field guides across the continental U.S., Alaska, the Caribbean and seven European countries. She is a contributing editor with BRC magazine and a freelance writer, penning travel and nature feature articles for several regional and national print publications. Angela created and authored the state park birding series for Bird Watcher’s Digest.
Read More by Angela Minor: BlueRidgeCountry.com/AngelaMinor