Bird GuideChickadees and TitmiceBlack-crested Titmouse
Black-crested Titmouse
Baeolophus atricristatus

At a Glance

A characteristic bird of much of southern and central Texas, barely extending northward into southwestern Oklahoma. This is a close relative of the Tufted Titmouse of eastern North America, and was treated as a subspecies at one time. Where the ranges of the two species meet in east-central Texas, they sometimes interbreed, producing hybrids that may show a dark gray crest and a reddish brown forehead.
Category
Perching Birds
Conservation
Low Concern
Habitat
Forests and Woodlands, Shrublands, Savannas, and Thickets
Region
Texas
Behavior
Direct Flight, Flitter
Population
1.200.000

Range & Identification

Migration & Range Maps

Permanent resident, seldom wandering any distance.

Description

6" (15 cm). Mostly gray and white with white forehead, black crest, orange tinge on flanks. Where range meets that of Tufted Titmouse, they interbreed, and some birds have intermediate markings.
Size
About the size of a Robin
Color
Black, Brown, Gray, Reddish Brown, Tan, White
Wing Shape
Rounded
Tail Shape
Rounded, Square-tipped

Songs and Calls

Song similar to that of Tufted Titmouse, peter-peter-peter. One-noted song is more common in Black-crested than in Tufted Titmouse.
Call Pattern
Falling
Call Type
Buzz, Chirp/Chip, Whistle

Habitat

Brushlands, woods, riverside groves. Occurs widely in south Texas brush country, but may be more common in taller trees along rivers. Found in some well-wooded suburbs and parks within its range.

Behavior

Eggs

5-6, sometimes 4-7. White, finely dotted with brown, reddish, or purple. Incubation is probably by female only, 12-14 days.

Young

Female stays with young much of time at first, while male brings food; later, young are fed by both parents, sometimes by additional helper. Young leave nest about 15-16 days after hatching.

Feeding Behavior

Forages by hopping actively among branches and twigs of trees, often hanging upside down, sometimes hovering momentarily. Often drops to the ground for food as well. Comes to bird feeders for seeds or suet. Opens acorns and seeds by holding them with feet and pounding with bill. Will store food items, retrieving them later.

Diet

Mostly insects and seeds. Insects make up the majority of the annual diet, with caterpillars the most important prey in summer; also eats wasps, bees, beetles, true bugs, and many others, including many insect eggs and pupae. Also eats some spiders and snails. Seeds, nuts, berries, and small fruits are important in diet, especially in winter.

Nesting

Pairs may remain together all year, joining mixed flocks with other small birds in winter. Flocks break up in late winter, and pairs establish nesting territories. Nest site is in hole in tree, either natural cavity or old woodpecker hole; usually 3 to 20 feet above the ground. Will also use nest boxes. Nest (probably built by female) has foundation of grass, moss, leaves, bark strips, lined with soft materials, especially animal hair.

Climate Vulnerability

Conservation Status

Common in its U.S. range, numbers apparently stable.

Climate Map

Audubon’s scientists have used 140 million bird observations and sophisticated climate models to project how climate change will affect the range of the Black-crested Titmouse. Learn even more in our Audubon’s Survival By Degrees project.

Climate Threats Facing the Black-crested Titmouse

Choose a temperature scenario below to see which threats will affect this species as warming increases. The same climate change-driven threats that put birds at risk will affect other wildlife and people, too.