Scientific Name:   Poecile carolinensis

Length:   3.9-4.7 in (10-12 cm)

Weight:   0.3-0.4 oz (8-12 g)

Wingspan:   5.9-7.9 in (15-20 cm)

Nest:   The nest is a hole in tree, typically enlargement of small natural cavity in dead wood, sometimes old woodpecker hole or nesting box, usually 5-15' above the ground.

Eggs:   5-8. White, with fine dots of reddish brown often concentrated around larger end. Incubation is probably by female only, 11-13 days. Adult bird disturbed on nest makes loud hiss like that of a snake.

Feeding Behavior:   They may take food while hovering, or fly out to catch insects in mid-air. Stores food items, retrieving them later. Are known to visit bird feeders for seeds or suet, and eat insects and berries, caterpillars, moths, true bugs, beetles, aphids, various other insects and spiders. Also eats weed and tree seeds, berries, small fruits.

Young:   Both parents feed nestlings. Young leave nest about 13-17 days after hatching.

Range:   The usually do not migrate and stay in a local area of mixed and deciduous woods, river groves, shade trees. Mostly in deciduous forest, also in pine woods with good mixture of oak or other leafy trees, and will nest in wooded suburbs.

Brief Description:   This tiny, approachable bird has a short neck and large head, giving it a distinctive spherical body shape. Its tail is fairly long and narrow. Carolina Chickadees have a black cap and bib separated by stark white cheeks. The back, wings, and tail are soft gray.