About The Black-capped Chickadee

About The Black-capped Chickadee

One of the most familiar birds in the US, the Black-capped Chickadee is known to be a saucy, active bird. It measures in at 12-15 cm (5-6 in), with a wingspan of 16-21 cm (6-8 in) and a weight of 9-14 grams. The Black-capped Chickadee is fairly tame and frequents backyards.

As can be gathered from its name, this bird has a black cap and a black bib as well. Its cheeks are white while its back is gray with no streaks. Though its wings are of a dark gray color, they may have some white on the edges. The Black-capped Chickadee has a rather long tail which is the same color as the wings (without the white edging). Male and female birds look alike. The juvenile birds also look like their parents.

The Black-capped Chickadee Nesting Preferences

The Black-capped Chickadee prefers to inhabit areas with woods such as parks, willow thickets, and cottonwood groves. This bird builds nests in holes or stumps of rotting trees. It also makes use of other existing nests. Nest boxes are not an unusual nesting place as well.

The nest of the Black-capped Chickadee is usually made of coarse materials. Moss is commonly used. For the lining, this bird makes use of down and fur. Nests can be found anywhere from 1 meter to 12 meters above the ground.

Building a Birdhouse For The Black-capped Chickadee

When building a birdhouse for the Black-capped Chickadee, it would be good to use Red Cedar. A floor area of about 4” x 4” would provide enough space. The height should be around 9” (inside). The entrance hole should be located 7” from the floor to the top of the hole and should be 1 ¼” in diameter. This birdhouse should then be mounted on a tree, post, or wall which provides part The Black-capped Chickadee Mating Habits

Black-capped Chickadees court in the months of February and March. At this point, the flock is dispersed as the individual birds pair up. Male and female birds chase each other up in the air, suddenly coming to a stop. Once paired, it is the female bird that takes the lead. It is then up to the male bird to defend their territory. It is only by the end of March that the female starts looking for a nesting with partial shade. The placement height can be anywhere from 4 and 12 feet high. 

Blue Bird Birdhouses

A Bluebird belongs to a group of brightly colored thrushes related to the Robin and native to North America. Bluebirds live in open country that contains scattered trees, usually in old farmlands or orchards. They nest in tree holes or man made boxes which they line with fine grass.

The female Bluebird lays three to seven pale blue or white eggs at a time and may have two or three broods a year. Both parents care for their young that remain in the nest for 15 – 19 days. Bluebirds feed on caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers and many other insects that may be harmful to crops. When insects are not available in large numbers during winter, Bluebirds eat berries.

Providing water in the form of birdbaths encourages Bluebirds to stick around the backyard. They are quite partial to the sound of dripping water and have no specific preference whether it is a commercial dropper or a self-provided water device. A suitable birdhouse will convince them to stay and nest.

Blue Bird Birdhouses

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Bird House Tips

How to Choose the Right Bird House Decorative Bird House Styles Painted bird houses come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. Some have a whimsical decorative theme, and others are made of plain wood and painted to blend in with their surroundings. The style of blue bird house you choose is entirely up to you. Just make sure it's appropriate for your climate and your birds. Various Species, Various Bird Houses The size and shape of your bird house should be determined by the type of species you wish to attract. The list below shows a sampling of what type of birdhouses are needed by each species.

• Purple martins are the largest members of the swallow family. A purple martin house should measure at least 6 inches across on the inside, and should have an entry hole of about two and a half inches in diameter. Purple martin houses should be painted white on the outside.

Bird Condos

• Wrens aren't picky about their homes and will nest in small, plain houses. A wren house is usually quite simple and fairly small on the inside. Make sure the entry holes measure about 1 inch in diameter to let the wrens in and keep predators out.

Wren Birdhouse

• Chickadees and nuthatches prefer homes that simulate natural environments, so a bird house made from wood or unfinished bark is best. They prefer Chickadee bird houses that are deep and narrow, with entrance holes at the top so that they can nest in the bottom and feel safe.

Chickadee Birdhouse

If you're unsure what type of cardinal bird house you need, try to determine what birds live in your area and what kind you wish to attract. Or choose a general songbird house that is designed for various species.  Check out our other birdhouses at www.aboutbirdhouses.com

Wren Birdhouses

One of the easiest and quickest ways to attract birds is to provide birdhouses for them to nest in.  These simple structures provide nesting grounds for birds in your backyard.  Birdhouses make it easier for your whole family to observe and enjoy bird watching. Wrens are among the most beautiful birds to watch but to attract them it requires specific nesting conditions.

Although these birds are found all across the Americas, their habitats range from dry sparse woods to the rain forest and they will only nest under specific conditions. Of course, meeting these conditions is critical for establishing a nest in your yard. Male Wrens will typically build multiple nests for a mate in order to increase the chances of the female finding a suitable location among them. This means you will have a better chance for attracting a Wren if you set up multiple birdhouses for them to choose from. Wrens also prefer cover so locating the birdhouse behind shrubbery may prove to be a more attractive nesting area.

Your birdhouse or birdhouses should be located between four and 10 feet from the ground. They should also be partially shaded. Typically a 1 1/4 inch entrance hole will be utilized located 6 inches above the floor of the birdhouse. Unlike most birdhouses a perch is not necessary and shouldn’t be used. In fact, this could prove to be detrimental because predators could use the perch for access to the nest. Many bird people recommend mounting the nest with wire from a tree branch or other overhang that will allow the nest to swing. Here are several nice looking wren birdhouses:

Little Wren House White

Christmas Wren Cottage- Removable Wreath Detail

Little Wren House Yellow

Wrens will typically arrive in April and have 2 to 3 broods per season. Each brood will require approximately 30 days to mature and leave the nest. If you live near the equator you will likely end up with Wrens wintering near you instead of arriving in the spring so adjust your setup according to your location. Following these simple tips will ensure you attract and maintain many Wrens throughout the life of your birdhouse. These beautiful creatures are sure to delight friends and family. They can be excellent garden helpers, disposing of potentially harmful and bothersome pests. Their singing is a pleasant reminder of their presence and is sure to entertain. There are many reasons to attract Wrens and building the perfect birdhouse is the best way to accomplish this.

See several interesting birdhouses

Birdhouses are available in a wide variety of designs and colors.  This creates an interesting environment for you yard and for our feathered friends.  Check out these unique birdhouses on our new online store.

These are just a couple of samples from our wide collection of birdhouses