Species-Specific Management (SSM)

Carolina Chickadee

There is little difference between the black-capped and Carolina chicadee (Parus carolinensis). They are abundant, conspicuous birds of the Virginia-West Virginia forests. They are not migratory. These are birds of the forest and forest edge. They typically nest in tree cavities. Their density is probably maximum at one pair per 10 acres. They are omnivorous and the management task, if ever assumed, is to provide year-around foods and nesting sites. They eat insects primarily during the spring and summer, but eat seeds during the winter. They have a broad diet of small seeds. They flock with other birds such as the tufted titmouse and kinglets, foraging for insects within tree canopies and dead branches. They may exercise a level of control of the gypsy moth.

They readily use nest boxes. Their key habitat needs are a mixed forest: conifers, trees with cavities , mature hardwood stands, and weedy field or forest-opening edges. They respond well to bird feeders, particularly those that include suet and sunflower seeds.

Management is usually directed at increasing these populations and it is done by supplying the above needs in any way possible.

Submitted by Robert H. Giles, Jr.

This Web site is maintained by R. H. Giles, Jr.
Last revision January 17, 2000.