Baeolophus bicolor
The Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) is a small, energetic songbird distinguished by its prominent, wispy gray crest and large, dark eyes that give it an inquisitive expression. Measuring approximately 14-15 cm (5.5-6 inches) in length with a wingspan of 20-26 cm (8-10 inches) and weighing 16-26 grams (0.6-0.9 ounces), this species boasts a soft gray upperparts, clean white underparts, and noticeable rusty or buffy flanks, making it a familiar sight across much of the eastern United State...
Primarily inhabits deciduous and mixed deciduous-coniferous woodlands, thriving in mature forests, suburban parks, and residential areas with ample tree cover, generally found at low to mid-elevations.
Primarily insectivorous during the summer months, consuming caterpillars, beetles, spiders, and other arthropods; during winter, their diet shifts to seeds, nuts (especially acorns), berries, and readily accepts suet from feeders, often hammering larger items to break them apart.
Tufted Titmice are diurnal and highly active, often observed foraging from dawn until dusk, then roosting in tree cavities or dense foliage. They employ a diverse foraging strategy, gleaning insects and spiders from bark, branches, and leaf litter, frequently hanging upside down to access food. T...
The Tufted Titmouse has a broad distribution across the eastern and central United States, extending northward into southern Ontario, Canada. Its breeding and wintering ranges largely overlap, as it is a non-migratory resident throughout its distribution. The species' range has notably expanded n...
Least Concern
- Tufted Titmice are well-known for their unique habit of plucking hair from live mammals, including squirrels, raccoons, and even humans, to line their nests. - They are expert food-cachers, stashing seeds and insects in bark crevices and under lichens for later retrieval, aiding their winter su...