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Bird Identification

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Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor Length: 6.5"

Look For

The Tufted Titmouse's gray-crested head and large black eyes on a pale face give this familiar bird a friendly look. Larger than the chickadees with which it often associates, the Tufted Titmouse shows obvious rusty peach patches on its flanks (sides).

Listen for

Peter, peter, peter, peter! is the clear, whistled song of the Tufted Titmouse. Also utters a harsh chickadee-like scold and a variety of short, sweet, whistled calls.

play the song/call of the tufted titmouse

Remember

There are five titmouse species in North America, but only the Tufted Titmouse is found commonly in the East. A close relative of the Tufted Titmouse called the Black-crested Titmouse is found in central Texas.

Find it

Regulars at backyard bird feeders, where they prefer sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet, Tufted Titmice are both active and vocal. In winter, they may join mixed feeding flocks of chickadees, nuthatches, and others.

Wow!

Tufted Titmice love to line their nests with soft hair. More than one sleeping family pet (and even some humans) have felt a sudden tug as a titmouse boldly steals a bit of hair.

Tufted titmouse songs provided by birdJam www.birdjam.com. Bird songs copyright Lang Elliott, NatureSound Studio, www.naturesound.com. This profile is an excerpt from The Young Birder's Guide by Bill Thompson, III. Purchase an autographed copy from our nature store, and check out other BWD titles designed to help you identify backyard birds.

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