View range map of Black-capped Chickadee

The Black-capped Chickadee is one of the most familiar back yard birds across the northern United States and southern Canada. Its closest relative is probably not the very similar Carolina Chickadee of the southern United States, but the Mountain Chickadee. The Black-capped Chickadee is resident throughout its range, and can withstand the harsh winters of the north due to its exceptional abilities in recalling the locations of its food stores. It also lowers its body temperature at night and goes into a regulated hypothermia to conserve energy. This cheerful little bird frequents back yard feeders, often in large flocks during the winter. It also gleans for insects from foliage and tree bark while hanging upside down. The Black-capped Chickadee is a cavity nester. It excavates a cavity in a dead tree, or sometimes uses old woodpecker holes, and nest boxes. The female lines the nest with moss and other soft materials. The female lays 5-8 white eggs with reddish markings. She incubates for 11-13 days, covering the eggs when she leaves the nest. During this time the male often brings her food. The chicks are fed insects by the male and brooded by the female; they fledge after 14-18 days. During this time the male continues to bring food to the female. After fledging the chicks never return to the nest, but roost together in a tree. The parents will continue to care for them for another three weeks, providing all their food initially until they gradually learn to capture food for themselves. Clearing of forests which removes dead trees destroys nesting habitat for this species. Nest boxes will be readily used in areas where there is a shortage of suitable natural nest sites, especially if saw dust is placed in the box. Bird feeders are of great assistance to this species during winter. Large numbers of Black-capped Chickadees with deformed beaks have been recorded in Alaska since the early 1990s. Researchers found that one in 12 of the chickadees they captured since 2000, suffered from this deformity and many had other deformities and DNA abnormalities also. No definite cause has been determined; however tests suggest that industrial chemical contaminants may be the cause as high concentrations of these contaminants have been found in the tissues of birds of other species with beak deformities. Help scientists learn more about this species by joining Project FeederWatch.

view range map of Canyon Wren

The Canyon Wren is a small (6 inches) bird of dry, rocky habitats. Canyon Wrens are resident year round in steep canyons, rocky outcroppings and cliffs, in desert regions from southwestern Canada through the western United States and South America. This species has been studied little, and much about it is unknown. Cactus Wrens forage for insects and spiders, gleaning from foliage. The birds hop on rocks looking for insects in crevices. The distinctive falling pitch of the Cactus Wren's song is commonly heard in the species range. Cactus Wren pairs remain together on their territory year round. The nest is located in a rocky crevice, cave, or cliff face. Though not often found in residential locations, the birds may nest on remote desert farm buildings. The pair lines the nest with mosses and leaves. The female incubates the 5-6 white eggs, with the male bringing her food during this time. Both parents feed the chicks which fledge after about 15 days. The parents continue to feed the fledglings for a further 10 days, and the family continues to forage together for several weeks. Recreational rock climbing can disturb nesting Canyon Wrens. Little is known about the population status of this species.

View range map of House Wren

House Wrens inhabit open woodland habitats, suburbs, parks and towns. The adaptability of this species to modified landscapes has made it one of the best known birds in North America. House Wrens use back yard nesting boxes for nesting and roosting and visit garden bird feeders. House Wrens breed in southern Canada and the northern United States. The birds are migratory and spend the winter in the southern United States and Central and South America. Some birds at the extreme southern end of the species breeding range may be resident year round. The House Wren is a small (5 inches) brown/ gray bird, which is common throughout its range. The diet consists of insects, spiders and snails which the birds glean from foliage. The nest is in a natural cavity or that made by another species, other natural crevice or nesting box. Having secured a territory and selected a nest the male adds nesting material. The female completes the nest once she selects a mate. Most House Wrens are monogamous, but polygyny has been observed in this species too, in which the male accepts more than one female on his territory and mates with both of them. The pair may raise a second brood together, or find a different mate and raise a second brood. House Wrens do not remain paired after the end of the breeding season. During the winter the birds may forage in close proximity, but otherwise are solitary. The clutch of 6-8 eggs are incubated by the female for about 13 days and the chicks fledge at about 18 days of age. Both parents feed the chicks. House Wren numbers have increased with the clearing of land for agriculture and human settlement, which created fragmented forests. Local increases have also occurred where nest boxes are provided. To help this species participate in Project Feederwatch.