Baeolophus atricristatus
The Black-crested Titmouse, *Baeolophus atricristatus*, is a spirited and distinctive songbird of the south-central United States and northeastern Mexico. Averaging 14-15 cm (5.5-6 inches) in length with a wingspan of 20-25 cm (8-10 inches) and weighing around 16-20 grams, this small passerine is easily identified by its prominent, often bristling, jet-black crest, a stark contrast to its otherwise sleek gray upperparts and whitish underparts. Distinctive field marks include its large, dark e...
Found primarily in dry, open woodlands, deciduous or mixed forests, oak-juniper woodlands, and riparian corridors, as well as suburban parks and gardens. Occupies low to moderate elevations.
Primarily insectivorous, consuming caterpillars, beetles, ants, and spiders, supplemented heavily with seeds, nuts (especially acorns and pecans), and berries. Forages actively by gleaning and probing bark and leaves.
Black-crested Titmice are diurnal birds, active from dawn to dusk, often roosting in tree cavities or dense foliage at night. Their foraging strategies involve actively gleaning insects, spiders, and larvae from bark crevices, branches, and leaf litter, frequently hanging upside down to reach pre...
The Black-crested Titmouse is a resident species, primarily found in the south-central United States and northeastern Mexico. Its core breeding and wintering range extends across most of Texas, central and western Oklahoma, southern Arkansas, and western Louisiana, stretching south through northe...
Least Concern
- The Black-crested Titmouse was only recognized as a full species separate from the Tufted Titmouse in 2002 by the American Ornithological Union. - Where their ranges overlap, Black-crested and Tufted Titmice often hybridize, producing offspring with intermediate crest colors. - These resourcefu...