Black-capped Chickadee

This feather belongs to a small, non-migratory songbird with a characteristic black cap and bib, white cheeks, and a grey back. The Black-capped Chickadee is famous for its 'chick-a-dee-dee-dee' call and its acrobatic foraging behavior.

Predominantly charcoal black to deep slate grey with a distinct, clean white tip on the outer edge. The rachis appears dark.

Pennaceous and tightly interlocked throughout the main vane; the base shows slight plumulaceous (fluffy) downy structure near the superior umbilicus.

Smooth, matte finish. The vane is flexible yet firm enough to maintain its shape against air resistance.

Small size, deep black color, and the sharp white edging/tip which is a diagnostic feature of the outer tail feathers of this species.

Deciduous and mixed forests, open woodlands, parks, willow thickets, and suburban yards with bird feeders.

Year-round resident across the northern half of North America, from Alaska across Canada to Newfoundland, and south to the central United States.

Insectivore and seed-disperser. They play a vital role in controlling caterpillar populations in forests.

Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis) - very similar, but usually has less white edging on the tail feathers. Mountain Chickadee (Poecile gambeli) - has a white eyebrow line.

Chickadees can remember thousands of locations where they have hidden seeds and have a brain that grows larger in the winter to accommodate this spatial memory.

Good condition. There is slight fraying at the tip, likely from normal wear and tear or 'brushing' against vegetation. No obvious sign of parasites.