After the TBBA fieldwork was completed, Baeolophus Ridgwayi, or the Juniper Titmouse of the Pacific Coast, formerly known as the Plain Titmouse was separated from the Oak Titmouse of the Pacific Coast previously known as the Plain Titmouse. It is no longer believed that crows and chickadees are linked to each other as members of the same genus, but rather that they are only distantly related within the family Paridae.
Quick Overview: Baeolophus Ridgwayi – Juniper Titmouse
Body size: Around 5.5 in (14 cm) and a weight of 17 g (0.6v oz)
Main colors: Gray, Black
Range: Southwestern United States
Migratory Bird:No
Best time of the year to see in the U.S.: All Year (January – December)
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Juniper titmouse Description
In appearance, the Juniper Titmouse is a simple gray bird with a prominent black eye and a spunky tuft of feathers on the top of its head, yet it is anything but ordinary. This species makes up for a lack of color with a strong personality. It may be heard throughout the year in the pinyon-juniper forests of the Inner West, with its scratchy chatter.
Size
These birds have a length of 5.5 in (14 cm) and a weight of 17 g (0.6v oz). Their wings could range 8 in (20 cm).
Feeding
The juniper titmouse preys on insects and spiders, and it is sometimes seen capturing insects in mid-air as it flies. It also consumes berries, acorns, and certain seeds, and has been known to hammer seeds against trees in order to open them.
Habitat
This species may be found in dry juniper environments in the inland Southwestern United States, where it can be seen in large flocks. The Oak Titmouse may be found in oak environments that are warm and dry, such as those along the coast or in the Central Valley of California. The two have a striking resemblance in terms of looks.
Behavior
To forage, one must move energetically through the wood’s foliage, jumping from branch to limb, and aggressively hunting for insects, among other things.
Baeolophus ridgwayi Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Subphylum: Chelicerata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Paridae
- Genus: Baeolophus
- Species: Baeolophus ridgwayi
Other common names
Formerly known as the Plain titmouse.
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 Juniper titmouse in the USA
The Juniper Titmouse is a rare inhabitant of dry oak–juniper and pinyon-juniper woods of the southwestern United States and extreme northern Mexico, where it can be found in small numbers.
The Juniper titmouse can be found in the following states in the United States – Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.