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,[2] was included as a subspecies but now is considered a separate species, Baeolophus atricristatus.[3]
| Tufted titmouse | |
|---|---|
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| Tufted titmouse in winter | |
| Call | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Paridae |
| Genus: | Baeolophus |
| Species: | B. bicolor |
| Binomial name | |
| Baeolophus bicolor (Linnaeus, 1766) | |
 | |
| Approximate distribution map
Year-round | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Parus bicolor Linnaeus, 1766 | |
Taxonomy
The genus name Baeolophus translates to small crested and is a compound of the Ancient Greek words βαιός: baiós—"small", and λόφος: "lόphοs"—crest. The species name bicolor means two-colored.
Description
Measurements:[4]
- Length: 5.5–6.3 in (14–16 cm)
- Weight: 0.6–0.9 oz (17–26 g)
- Wingspan: 7.9–10.2 in (20–26 cm)
These small birds have a white front and grey upper body outlined with rust colored flanks. Other characteristics include their black foreheads and the tufted grey crest on their heads.[5] In juveniles, the black forehead is greatly diminished such that they may be confused with the oak titmouse (although their ranges do not overlap). Males tend to be larger than females.[6]
The song of the tufted titmouse is usually described as a whistled peter-peter-peter, although this song can vary in approximately 20 notable ways.[7]
Distribution and habitat
Its habitat is deciduous and mixed woods as well as gardens, parks, and shrublands. Although the tufted titmouse is non-migratory and originally native to the Ohio and Mississippi River basins, factors such as bird feeders have caused these birds to occupy a larger territory across the United States and stretching into Ontario and Quebec in Canada.[5][6][8] During the second half of the 20th century and into the 21st century, the species' range has been expanding northwards.[4]
Behavior and ecology
The tufted titmouse gathers food from the ground and from tree branches, frequently consuming a variety of berries, nuts, seeds, small fruits, insects, and other invertebrates.[9] Caterpillars constitute a major part of its diet during the summer. This species is also a regular visitor to bird feeders.[10] Its normal pattern is to scout a feeder from cover, fly in to take a seed, then fly back to shelter to consume the morsel, though caching is also very common.[9][11]
The titmouse can demonstrate curiosity regarding humans and sometimes will perch on a window ledge and seem to be peering into the house. It may also cling to the window frames and walls of buildings seeking prey in wasp and hornet nests.[citation needed]
Titmice are very vocal and will respond to sounds of agitation in other birds.[4] This species readily forms small flocks, known as troupes or banditries, which often associate with chickadees and other passerines when foraging.[12]
Breeding
Tufted titmice nest in a hole in a tree, either a natural cavity, a human-made nest box, or sometimes an old woodpecker nest.[13] They line the nest with soft materials, sometimes plucking hair from live mammals to use as material, a behavior known as kleptotrichy.[14][15] If they find snake skin sheds, they may incorporate pieces into their nest.[16] Eggs measure under 1 inch (2.5 centimetres) long and are white or cream-colored with brownish or purplish spots.[17] Eggs have an incubation period of 12–14 days; titmice will then remain nestlings for 15–16 days.[4]
The lifespan of the tufted titmouse is approximately 2.1 years, although it can live for more than ten years.[18] On average, these birds will have a clutch size of five to seven eggs.[19] Unlike many birds, the offspring of tufted titmice will often stay with their parents during the winter and even after the first year of their life.[20] Sometimes, a bird born the year before will help its parents raise the next year's young.[21]
Tufted titmice will occasionally hybridize with the black-crested titmouse; the hybridization range is very narrow, however, because of genetic differences.[6]
Status
From 1966 to 2015 the tufted titmouse population has increased by more than 1.5% per year throughout the northeastern U.S.[22] The current breeding population is estimated to be approximately 8 million.[4]
Gallery
At a bird feeder.
Facing forward.
With a seed.
Fluffed up while preening.
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crop.jpg)
References
External links
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