Baeolophus inornatus
adult
The Oak Titmouse has rather plain, nondescript plumage. This absence of obvious plumage features allows separation from all other titmouse species except Juniper Titmouse. The sexes are similar, as are adults and juveniles. All birds have unmarked gray-brown upperparts; the pale gray underparts are flushed pinkish buff on the flanks. The head has a short crest and stubby bill, and the legs are dark.
The Oak Titmouse is present year-round in woodland on the Pacific slopes of California and Oregon. Outside the breeding season it is often found in small groups, sometimes associating with nomadic mixed-species flocks of small songbirds. The species is very similar to Juniper Titmouse, but overall it is subtly darker and browner; the two species’ ranges barely overlap, and their habitat preferences differ.
adult
FACT FILE
LENGTH 5 in (12.5 cm)
FOOD Invertebrates and seeds
HABITAT Wooded habitats, especially where oaks predominate
STATUS Widespread and locally common resident
VOICE Song comprises various whistling phrases, including peechew. Calls include a sharp tsita-chrr
