Baeolophus Bicolor – Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus Bicolor - Tufted Titmouse in the US

Known as the tufted titmouse, Baeolophus bicolor, it is a tiny songbird native to North America and a member of the titmouse and chickadee families of birds Paridae. The black-crested titmouse, which may be found from central and southern Texas southward, was previously considered a subspecies, but it is now recognized as a distinct species on its own.

Quick Overview: Baeolophus Bicolor – Tufted Titmouse
Body size: Around 6.5 in (17 cm) and a weight of 23 g (0.8 oz)
Main colors: White, Gray, Brown, Black
Range: Southeastern, Eastern, and the Midwestern United States
Migratory Bird: No
Best time of the year to see in the U.S.: All Year (January – December)
Conservation Status: Least Concern

Tufted Titmouse Description

Tufted titmice are up to 17 centimeters in length and have wingspans ranging from 23 to 28 centimeters. In addition to having white undersides, gray backs, rusty-brown sides, pointed crests on their heads, and big black pupils, both males and females have enormous dark pupils.

Baeolophus Bicolor - Tufted Titmouse in the US
Baeolophus Bicolor – Tufted Titmouse eating some seed. Photo by: Rodney Campbell

Size

These birds have a length of 6.5 in (17 cm) and a weight of 23 g (0.8 oz). Their wings could range 10.75 in (10.75 cm).

Feeding

Insect and invertebrate prey such as caterpillars, moths, flies, insect eggs, snails, and spiders are consumed by tufted titmice, as well as a broad range of other insects and invertebrates. In addition, they consume berries and seeds. With their pointed bills, they break seeds from under their feet, which they keep in place on trees.

Habitat

Tufted titmice-like deciduous woods, particularly wet woodlands found in swamps and river basins, as well as open fields and pastures. They may also be found in forested residential neighborhoods and city parks, among other places.

Behavior

Titmice are lively birds that may often be observed fluttering around in branches and hanging upside down while looking for insects beneath twigs. They are most active during the day and do not travel far from their wintering grounds, remaining in the same location throughout the winter.

Baeolophus bicolor Scientific Classification

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Subphylum: Chelicerata
  • Class: Aves
  • Order: Passeriformes
  • Family: Paridae
  • Genus: Baeolophus
  • Species: Baeolophus bicolor

Best time of the year to see

In the United States, the best time of year to see these birds is all year round, regardless of the season. This refers to any month of the year between January and December.

Distribution of the Tufted titmouse in the USA

Tufted titmice are exclusively found in the Nearctic area of the world. They are widespread in forests east of the Great Plains, particularly in the southeastern, eastern, and midwestern United States, as well as in southern Ontario and the southwestern United Kingdom. Tufted titmice were formerly thought to be restricted to the Ohio and Mississippi river drainages. Since the 1940s, they have spread along the eastern shore, and they are currently continuing to expand their range northward into Canadian territory.

The Tufted titmouse can also be found in the following states in the United States – Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Baeolophus Bicolor – Tufted Titmouse

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