About the Massachusetts State Bird

History

• Though the black-capped chickadee eventually became the legislature's choice to hold the title of state bird, earlier efforts favored other options. Ten years before the black-capped chickadee was selected as the state bird, the executive board of the State Federation of Women's Clubs introduced a bill to make the veery the official state bird. The effort failed and on March 21, 1941, the black-capped chickadee took its place as the state bird.

Identification

• The black-capped chickadee is a very small bird measuring just 4 to 5 inches from head to tail. The bird is easily recognized by the black cap and chin, white cheeks, grayish brown wings and tail, and white body.

Geography

• The black-capped chickadee can be found almost anywhere in the northern half of the United States and throughout Canada. Their populations expand from the center of major cities to the forests of the Midwest to the rugged territory of the Rocky Mountains. These birds generally build their nests close to the ground in rotted tree trunks, old wood posts or former woodpecker cavities. The black-capped chickadee feeds on an omnivorous diet that includes berries and seeds as well as small insects and larvae.

Time Frame

• Unlike many birds that migrate during the colder months of the year, the black-capped chickadee remains in its habitat for the entirety of the year. Bird watchers can enjoy the presence of the bird throughout the year. The black-capped chickadee can be recognized by its unique song that resembles a high-pitched chic-a-dee rhythm.

Expert Insight

• The black-capped chickadee is unusual with regard to its mating habits. Unlike many members of the animal kingdom, it is monogamous. Pairs of male and female black-capped chickadees remain partners for life. The male bird feeds the female during the nest building and brooding period. The male bird also shares the job of feeding the chicks when they are hatched. Females generally hatch six to eight eggs twice a year.