Tufted Titmouse

What it is

The tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) is a small songbird from North America, a species in the tit and chickadee family (Paridae). The black-crested titmouse, found from central and southern Texas southward, was included as a subspecies, but now is considered a separate species, (Baeolophus atricristatus).

Where and when to find it

Habitat

Found in deciduous and mixed forests, suburban yards, and parks throughout the eastern and central United States.

How to find it

Listen for its loud, clear 'peter-peter-peter' call. Look for them flitting through tree branches or visiting bird feeders. They are small and quick!

Best time of day

All day, year-round, but most active in the morning.

How it lives

What it eats

Insects, seeds, nuts, berries

What eats it

Hawks, owls, snakes, cats

Worth knowing

• They often nest in tree cavities, sometimes using old woodpecker holes.
• They will often follow larger birds to find food.
• Their crest can go up and down depending on their mood.
• They are sometimes seen hanging upside down while looking for insects on branches.
• They often reuse old snake skin as nesting material, which might scare away predators.
• They are related to chickadees and nuthatches.

Why it matters

Tufted Titmice help control insect populations in trees and spread seeds. Their cheerful calls are a familiar sound in eastern forests.