Mountain Chickadee

Poecile gambeli

Mountain Chickadees generally replace other chickadees in the higher elevation conifer forests of the western United States.  Like the Black-Capped Chickadee, the Mountain Chickadee can often be found in mixed flocks of small birds.  In some parts of North America, several of the different Chickadee species can be found in one location, such as Mountain Chickadees, Black-capped Chickadees, Boreal Chickadees, and Chestnut-backed Chickadees all possible to be found in Glacier National Park in Montana.  Mountain Chickadees will often attempt to frighten potential predators away from nest locations by issuing a hiss sounding similar to a snake's.  

Habitat: Prefers coniferous forest for breeding, but can also occasionally be found in lower-elevation mixed or deciduous woodlands.

Diet: Insects, spiders, seeds, and berries.  

Behavior: Very active forager, moving quickly through the forest canopy in search of food.  Will usually move through leaves and foliage and glean food items, but may also occasionally hover while foraging.  Usually feeds fairly high in the forest canopy, making it difficult to spot.

Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota

Song: Mountain Chickadee Song

Migration: Generally non-migratory, although some higher elevation birds may move to lower elevations for the winter.

Similar Species: Black-Capped Chickadee, Boreal Chickadee, Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Conservation Status: Generally stable throughout its range.

Bird Feeders: Nuts, sunflower seeds, baby chick scratch, suet.

Birdhouses: Will nest in birdhouses designed for Chickadees.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Mountain Chickadee

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Mountain Chickadee"

3) eNature.com: Mountain Chickadee

Photo Information: July 2004 - Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming - Terry Sohl