Black-capped Chickadee or Mountain Chickadee
Updated: Apr 1
While not overly complicated, learning the differences between the two common species of Interior West chickadees can be challenging for new birders! Learn the simple tricks to separate the Black-capped Chickadee and Mountain Chickadee.
Black-capped Chickadee
The Black-capped Chickadee is an easy Parid (tits and chickadees) to identify thanks to its contrasting black cap and white cheek. These distinct features make this bird standout at the feeder, along with their excited vocals and fun antics. While the Black-capped Chickadee can be difficult to tell apart from the Carolina Chickadee, we will not address those identification cues today.
Mountain Chickadee
The Mountain Chickadee is a Parid of higher elevations in the intermountain west. The white superciliary stripe, and grayer overall appearance, are the major keys to making this identification. Few other chickadees will show white above their eye, though genetic mutations and hybrids can muddy the waters a bit. However, if you see a chickadee with a white "eyebrow," you can be almost certain you are seeing a Mountain Chickadee.
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Visual Keys for Identification
Visual keys are the "clues" received by your eyes and transmitted to your brain for aid in identification. Basically, if you can see it, it is a visual key.
Black-capped Chickadee
Black Cap
Buffy Sides
Extensive white edging on flight feathers and wing coverts
The extensive white in the wings and buffy sides give this species a brighter overall appearance than the Mountain Chickadee. The white "eyebrow," is the best visual cue for separating these two species.
Mountain Chickadee
Black Cap with a white supercilium
Grayer to buffy-ish sides
Extensive white edging on flight feathers and wing coverts
The duller sides and less white in the wings give this species a grayer overall appearance than the Black-capped Chickadee. Again, the white "eyebrow," is the best visual cue for separating these two species.
Auditory Keys for Identification
Auditory keys are the "clues" received by your ears and transmitted to your brain for aid in identification. Basically, if you can hear it, it is an auditory key.
Black-capped Chickadee Song and Call
Song: Two-note whistle, often described as dee-dee.
Call: Often described as chickadee dee dee dee.
Mountain Chickadee Song and Call
Song: Three to six-note whistle, similar in sound to Black-capped Chickadee.
Call: Similar to Black-capped Chickadee, but sounds angrier or harsher than Black-capped.
Contextual Keys
Contextual keys are the "clues" found in previously attained information. Contextual keys include known range, habitat, and behaviors.
Black-capped Chickadee Range and Habitat
Habitat: Common in most woodland habitats. Less common at higher elevations.
Mountain Chickadee Range and Habitat
Habitat: Common in montane forests. Can be found at lower elevations at various times of the year, but this is less common.
Final Thoughts
The Black-capped Chickadee vs Mountain Chickadee identification may not be challenging for experienced birders, but new birders may struggle with this separation. I usually offer a mnemonic device to new birders, for help in remembering how to separate these species. The Mountain Chickadee with its white "eyebrow" looks angry that you forgot to fill your feeder, and its harsh/angry call helps to remind you of it.
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Credits/References
Black-capped Chickadee Range Map - Fink, D., T. Auer, A. Johnston, M. Strimas-Mackey, O. Robinson, S. Ligocki, B. Petersen, C. Wood, I. Davies, B. Sullivan, M. Iliff, S. Kelling. 2020. eBird Status and Trends, Data Version: 2018; Released: 2020. Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York. https://doi.org/10.2173/ebirdst.2018
Mountain Chickadee Range Map - Fink, D., T. Auer, A. Johnston, M. Strimas-Mackey, O. Robinson, S. Ligocki, B. Petersen, C. Wood, I. Davies, B. Sullivan, M. Iliff, S. Kelling. 2020. eBird Status and Trends, Data Version: 2018; Released: 2020. Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York. https://doi.org/10.2173/ebirdst.2018
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