Feeding Behavior

Forages actively in trees, often feeding very high in conifers. Forages by gleaning food from twigs, often hanging upside down. Works along trunk or major branches, probing in bark crevices; has been seen using a wood splinter to probe in deep cracks. Sometimes takes food from while hovering. Will come to bird feeders for seeds or suet.

Eggs

7-9, sometimes 5-12. White, dotted with reddish brown, sometimes unmarked. Incubation is probably by female only, about 14 days. Adult disturbed on nest will give a loud hiss, sounding like a snake. Young: Female spends much time with young at first, while male brings most food; later, both parents feed young. Age of young at first flight about 3 weeks.

Young

Female spends much time with young at first, while male brings most food; later, both parents feed young. Age of young at first flight about 3 weeks.

Diet

Mostly insects, seeds, and berries. Feeds on a wide variety of insects, including many caterpillars, beetles, and others; often feeds on insect eggs and pupae, as well as spiders and their eggs. Also eats many seeds, some berries and small fruits.

Nesting

In some areas, numbers may be limited by a scarcity of good nesting sites. Nest site is usually in hole in tree, either natural cavity or old woodpecker hole, or a cavity enlarged or excavated by the chickadees. Usually 5-25' above the ground, sometimes in stumps only a few inches up. Same site may be used more than one year. Sometimes uses nest box, occasionally even nests in holes in ground. In natural site in tree, both sexes help excavate. Nest (built by female, probably with help from male) is soft foundation of bark fibers, moss, hair, feathers.