Tits and chickadees (Paridae)
Mountain Chickadee
Poecile gambeli. Conifer seeds and insects.
Tits and chickadees (Paridae)Mountain ChickadeePoecile gambeli
- Scientific name
- Poecile gambeli
- Length
- 4.7–5.5 in
- Weight
- 0.4 oz
- Nest
- Cavity or nest box lined with fur
- Entrance hole
- 1 1/8 in
- Clutch
- 5–9 eggs
- Incubation
- 14 days
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
Identification
- Black cap with a white eyebrow
- Black bib
- Grey back and pale grey flanks
Voice
'Cheese-bur-ger' whistle; hoarse 'chick-a-dee-dee'.
Diet and feeding
Conifer seeds and insects.
What do mountain chickadees eat? · Best feeder for mountain chickadees
Mountain Chickadees by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Year-round resident | June–July |
| Arizona | Year-round resident | April–July |
| British Columbia | Year-round resident | June–July |
| California | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Colorado | Year-round resident | May–July |
| Idaho | Year-round resident | May–July |
| Montana | Year-round resident | June–July |
| Nevada | Year-round resident | May–July |
| New Mexico | Year-round resident | May–July |
| Oregon | Year-round resident | May–July |
| South Dakota | Year-round resident | May–July |
| Utah | Year-round resident | May–July |
| Washington | Year-round resident | May–July |
| Wyoming | Year-round resident | June–July |
| Yukon | Year-round resident | June–July |
Frequently asked
What do mountain chickadees eat?
Conifer seeds and insects. At feeders: black-oil sunflower, suet, peanut hearts.
How big is a Mountain Chickadee?
4.7–5.5 in long and 0.4 oz.
Do mountain chickadees use birdhouses?
Yes — a 1 1/8 in entrance, 4 × 4 in floor, mounted 5–15 ft.
Sources
- Mountain Chickadee — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Mountain Chickadee life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Mountain 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.