Grey-headed Chickadees, also referred to as Siberian Chickadees, Alaska Chickadees, Siberian Titmouse and Siberian Tit, are small passerine birds that breed in boreal forests across northern Europe, Asia, and North America from May to July. They are commonly found in mixed coniferous and deciduous forests, particularly those with spruce, birch, and willow trees.
They forage in the understory and mid-canopy layers of the forest for caterpillars, beetles, spiders, and seeds from spruce and birch. They may also feed on small fruits and berries.
Grey-headed Chickadees are adept at hanging upside down and maneuvering through dense branches to access food. They cache food in hidden locations for later retrieval.
Courtship involves males singing softly to attract females and performing fluttering displays. Males may present food to females as part of the courtship process, reinforcing pair bonds.
Both females and males may excavate cavities or claim natural or abandoned cavities in dead or decaying trees, often in spruce or birch. They are normally located 1 to 4 meters above the ground in forested areas with dense undergrowth. The cavity is typically lined with moss, animal hair, plant fibers, and feathers.
Grey-headed 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 Grey-headed Chickadee Birdhouse Plans
Egg laying occurs from late May to early June, with the female laying 5 to 9 white eggs with fine reddish-brown spots. Incubation lasts about 14 to 16 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 18 to 20 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.
Grey-headed 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.
