Baeolophus atricristatus
adult
Once considered a subspecies of Tufted Titmouse, the Black-crested Titmouse is a distinctive songbird. The sexes are similar. Adults have mainly pale blue-gray upperparts with a pale forehead and black crown and crest. The very pale gray underparts are palest on the undertail and suffused with an orange-buff wash on the flanks. The pale face emphasizes the dark eye. The bill is dark and the legs are blue-gray. Juveniles lack the adults’ black crown and crest, making them very similar to a juvenile Tufted Titmouse.
The Black-crested Titmouse is a year-round resident of woodland in southern U.S.A., including riverside forests and wooded parks and gardens. It nests in treeholes in the wild but responds well to the provision of nestboxes.
FACT FILE
LENGTH 6–6.5 in (15–16.5 cm)
FOOD Insects and seeds
HABITAT Open deciduous woodland
STATUS Widespread and common resident
VOICE Song comprises a series of chiu phrases. Call is a series of harsh zree notes
