Wild Guide: Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

Status

Common permanent resident

Size

Length: 6½ inches

Distribution

Statewide

Although the tufted titmouse is a year-round resident, it is most noticeable during the winter months. It is common amongst the trees in forests, woodlands, parks, and in suburban areas. With its loud voice, it is often the most conspicuous member of a winter flock. The upperparts of an adult tufted titmice are bluish gray. There is a crest on the head, and the forehead is black. Its underparts are white, with buff sides and flanks.

Foods

Titmice forage for insects, seeds, and berries, and they are frequent visitors to bird feeders. Many birds gather into foraging flocks of mixed species in the winter months. These flocks often contain titmice, chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and more. Each species forages in a particular part of a tree or shrub, which keeps them from competing for food.

Life Cycle

The tufted titmouse is a cavity nester that cannot excavate its own holes, so it relies on natural holes, nest boxes, or cavities left by woodpeckers. Once-yearly broods are usually three to nine eggs that are incubated in about two weeks. Young fledge two weeks later.