Tits and chickadees (Paridae)
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Poecile rufescens. Insects from conifer foliage; seeds.
Tits and chickadees (Paridae)Chestnut-backed ChickadeePoecile rufescens
- Scientific name
- Poecile rufescens
- Length
- 4.3–4.7 in
- Weight
- 0.3–0.4 oz
- Nest
- Cavity or nest box with a thick fur lining
- Entrance hole
- 1 1/8 in
- Clutch
- 5–7 eggs
- Incubation
- 12–18 days
- Broods
- 1 per season
Identification
- Rich chestnut back and flanks
- Sooty-brown cap and black bib
- White cheeks
Voice
Hoarse, high 'tsick-a-dee-dee'.
Diet and feeding
Insects from conifer foliage; seeds.
What do chestnut-backed chickadees eat? · Best feeder for chestnut-backed chickadees
Chestnut-backed Chickadees by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Year-round resident | May–June |
| British Columbia | Year-round resident | May–June |
| California | Year-round resident | March–June |
| Idaho | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Montana | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Oregon | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Washington | Year-round resident | April–June |
Frequently asked
What do chestnut-backed chickadees eat?
Insects from conifer foliage; seeds. At feeders: black-oil sunflower, suet.
How big is a Chestnut-backed Chickadee?
4.3–4.7 in long and 0.3–0.4 oz.
Do chestnut-backed chickadees use birdhouses?
Yes — a 1 1/8 in entrance, 4 × 4 in floor, mounted 5–15 ft.
Sources
- Chestnut-backed Chickadee — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Chestnut-backed Chickadee life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Chestnut-backed Chickadee — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- NestWatch nest box plans and species requirements — Cornell Lab
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.