A small gray-and-white songbird with prominent crest and bold dark eye. Common at feeders.

Also called: Tufty, Titmouse

Native status: Native to eastern US; expanding north

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 14–17 cm (5.5–6.7 in); wingspan 20–25 cm
Weight18–26 g
LifespanWild typically 2 years; oldest documented 13
OrderPasseriformes
FamilyParidae

§ Encyclopedia

The tufted titmouse is a small songbird native to eastern North America. The species belongs to 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.

Source: Wikipedia — Tufted titmouse Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Small gray-and-white songbird with prominent pointed crest, large black eyes, peach-buff flanks, and small bill.

Similar species. Black-crested Titmouse (Texas; black crest). Bridled Titmouse (Southwest; black-and-white face pattern). Other chickadees lack the crest.

Voice. Whistled "peter-peter-peter"; raspy harsh scolding "chick-a-dee-dee."

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Insects (caterpillars, beetles, ants, wasps), spiders, snails, seeds, acorns, mast (caches in fall for winter use).

Behavior. Bold and vocal forest songbird. Plucks hair from live mammals (deer, raccoons, dogs, even humans) to line nests — videos exist of titmice taking hair from sleeping people. Range has expanded northward by ~1,000 km over the past century, likely facilitated by maturing forests and backyard feeders. Pairs stay together year-round; juveniles often help their parents raise the next year's brood.

§ Range

Eastern North America

§ Habitat

Deciduous forests, suburban yards

§ Threats

Forest loss, climate change.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the tufted titmouse is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Plant native trees. Skip pesticides.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab — All About Birds
  • Project FeederWatch
  • National Audubon Society
  • IUCN Red List 2018