Chickadees are small, likable birds known for their friendliness and curiousness. In Illinois, there are two species that can be found in the state on an annual basis. Here is everything you need to know about those two species.
Black-capped Chickadee
Identification
Black-capped Chickadees have a gray back and wings, tan wash on their sides, and black cap and throat. They have a light colored underside and white cheeks. In addition to visual identification clues, these birds make a variety of songs and notable calls including their springtime “cheeseburger” call and namesake “chickadee” call.
Range
Black-capped Chickadees are year-round residents of the Northern continental United States, southern Canada, and even parts of Alaska.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Black-capped Chickadees are fairly active feeders and eat different foods depending on the time of the year. During the warmer months when insects are more abundant, small invertebrates make up a larger part of their diet. In the winter, seeds, berries, and other plant matter make up a significantly larger portion of their diet.
Where to Find this Bird
Black-capped Chickadees are extremely common in areas with moderate to thick vegetation. This includes both deciduous and coniferous woods, parks, edge habitat, and backyards. They regularly visit bird feeders and are typically among the first species to find new feeders.
Carolina Chickadee
Identification
Carolina Chickadees have a gray back and wings, buffy sides, and a light colored underside. They have a black cap, black chin, and white cheeks. They look incredibly identical to Black-capped Chickadees and in places where their ranges overlap are best identified by song.
Range
Carolina Chickadees are year-round residents of the southeastern United States. Their range also extends into some of the northeastern and midwestern states as far up as Ohio and Delaware.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Carolina Chickadees inhabit a wide variety of different places including edge habitat, parks, backyards, and deciduous forests. They can often be heard before they are seen, making a cheerful chickadee call (which is more rapid than the Black-capped Chickadee) along with other sounds.
Where to Find this Bird
True to their name, Boreal Chickadees can be found in Boreal forests, typically consisting of mostly coniferous trees. Often times, the best way to find them is to listen for their calls and try to triangulate their position from there.
Summary
Chickadees are always fun birds to see due to their cuteness and big personalities. We hope that this post has helped answer some questions about the chickadees of Illinois.
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