Tufted Titmouse

Tufted Titmouse

Habitat:
This active little bird is common all year in eastern forests. It is related to the chickadees, and comes to the feeder, taking away one seed at a time to a nearby tree limb where it breaks it. Its habitat is woodlands, shade trees, groves, mostly deciduous with tall trees.

Diet:
Insects make up two-thirds of its diet, with caterpillars most important in the summer. Also eats wasps, bees, beetles, and many others including spiders and snails. Seeds, nuts and berries are important in its diet in the winter.

Nesting:
Male feeds female from courtship until after eggs hatch. Breeding pairs may have a helper, one of their offspring from the previous year.
Site is in hole in tree, either natural cavity or an old woodpecker hole, about 35' from the ground, sometimes ranging from 3' to 90' up. Does not excavate its own nest hole. Will also use birdhouses. Nest lined with animal hair. Bird may pluck hair from wild woodchucks, dogs or other animals.

Eggs:
5-6, sometimes 3-9. White, finely dotted with brown. Incubation by female lasting 12-14 days.

Young:
Female stays with young much of the time at first, while male brings food. Later, young get fed by both parents, sometimes by an additional helper. Young leave nest 15-16 days after hatching.

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