Feeding Behavior

Forages in small flocks or family groups, moving actively from tree to tree. May prefer feeding in conifers at most seasons. Forages by clambering about in branches and twigs and on trunk, hanging upside down to examine undersides of twigs. Sometimes feeds on ground. At least in northern Europe, often stores food, retrieving it later.

Eggs

6-10, sometimes 4-15. White, finely spotted with reddish brown, with some pale spots of olive-brown or gray. Incubation is by female, 14-18 days. Young: Female broods young most of time at first, while male brings food; later, both parents bring food. Young leave nest at about 19-20 days.

Young

Female broods young most of time at first, while male brings food; later, both parents bring food. Young leave nest at about 19-20 days.

Diet

Mostly insects and seeds. Diet in North America poorly known. Feeds on insects, including caterpillars, flies, beetles, and the eggs and pupae of many insects, as well as spiders. Also probably eats seeds of many conifers. Has been seen feeding on carcass of dead caribou in winter.

Nesting

Nesting behavior in North America very poorly known; most details given here are from Europe. Members of pair remain together throughout year on permanent territory. This territory may be quite large, and may be shared by 2 pairs. Male feeds female from before egg-laying until nestlings are about half-grown. Nest site is in hole in tree, either natural cavity or old woodpecker hole, usually low (1-15' above the ground). May clean out cavity before starting nest building. Nest (built by female) has foundation of decaying wood, then layer of grass or moss, then cup of animal hair.