Boreal Chickadees are small passerine birds that breed in boreal forests across Canada and the northern United States from late April to early July. They are commonly found in coniferous forests dominated by spruce, fir, and tamarack trees, as well as mixed forests with birch and poplar.
They forage in the upper and middle levels of the forest canopy, often in dense foliage, for caterpillars, spiders, aphids, and seeds from conifers such as spruce and fir. They may also feed on berries and small fruits.
Boreal Chickadees cache food in hidden locations to retrieve later. They are adept at hanging upside down and maneuvering through dense branches to access their food.
Courtship involves males singing softly to attract females and performing fluttering displays. Males may present food to females as part of the courtship process, strengthening the pair bond.
Both males and females may excavate cavities or claim natural or abandoned cavities in dead or decaying trees, often in spruce or fir. These cavities are usually located 1 to 4 meters above the ground in forested areas with dense undergrowth. The female usually lines the cavity with moss, animal hair, plant fibers, and sometimes feathers.
Boreal Chickadees will nest in bird houses. Bird houses should have an entrance hole of about 3 cm in diameter and should be mounted on trees or posts at a height of 1.5 to 3 meters in forested areas or suburban gardens near wooded areas. See Boreal Chickadee Birdhouse Plans
Egg laying occurs from mid-May to early June, with the female laying 5 to 7 white eggs with fine reddish-brown spots. Incubation lasts about 12 to 14 days, primarily by the female, while the male brings food to the nest. Both parents feed the chicks a diet of insects and small seeds upon hatching.
Chicks learn to forage under the guidance of adults, practicing pecking and gleaning techniques. As they develop, they become more adept at finding food but remain vulnerable to predators and harsh weather conditions.
Chick fledging occurs about 16 to 18 days after hatching. Continued adult guidance is crucial as fledglings refine their foraging skills and expand their diet to include a wider variety of insects and seeds.
Boreal Chickadees are generally non-migratory, though some populations may exhibit short-distance movements in response to food availability. They tend to remain within their breeding range year-round.
