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Poecile atricapillus
The black-capped chickadee is a small songbird about 12-15 cm (4.7–5.9 in) in length. It has a black cap on its head--from which it derives its name--a black bib and white cheeks. Beneath it is mostly white to tan on the flanks. The back and tail is gray. Sexes are similar with males being slightly larger.
Deciduous or mixed deciduous/coniferous forest. Also found in wooded suburban parks and yards.
I photographed this bird at northern Minnesota's Sax-Zim Bog--a great place to find northern birds in winter.
Spotted on Feb 7, 2012
Submitted on Feb 10, 2012
12 Comments
Amazing shots, Gordon!
very pretty shots, Gordon!
Really great series!
Amazing pictures Gordon!
Thanks everyone for the kind words. You might have noticed that the chickadee's head in the first shot is blurred just a bit. These little birds are very, very fast movers and seemingly moving all the time. I shot this photo at 1/3200 sec. and still didn't stop its movement completely.
Mary, It does look like a Carolina chickadee, doesn't it?
Beautiful series. Love the light coming through the wings.
We don't get the black capped here, but they look so much like our Carolina Chickadees it is very hard to tell them apart. Thank you for sharing these beautiful close-ups.
Very nice Gordon!
Lovely series... These small birds are challenge to spot... First shot is great ..!!
Great shots. Especially love the first one.
Wonderful action shot!! Great photos!
Is very beatifull
Beautiful series!