Bird Spotting: This diminutive bird is one of the most familiar sights in the skies of North America. The black cap and bib and bright white cheeks make this bird easily recognizable. The wings are gray and edged in white, which gives this bird a delicate, handpainted look.

Habitat: Black-capped chickadees enjoy deciduous and mixed forests as well as open woodlands. In winter suburban areas become their place of refuge.

Nesting: Black-capped chickadees look for holes in trees, natural cavities or bird boxes to house their young. Each clutch consists of six to eight brown-speckled white eggs. The nest is a small cup constructed of grass, fur, soft plant material and feathers.

Bird Bite: The black-capped chickadee feeds on insect eggs and larvae by hanging upside down while clinging to the undersides of tree branches.

Backyard Tip: Flocks of this tame and inquisitive bird spend the winter in areas where bird feeders are easily available. They also find bird boxes an ideal location for their nests. Black-capped chickadees enjoy excavating nest cavities in the quaking aspen and will eat the fruit of the tall red huckleberry.