Acadia National Park

Description  ADULT Has brown cap, extending narrowly down nape, and brown back. Wings are dark with very indistinct pale feather margins. Neatly defined black throat borders the grayish face, which is whitish only toward the front. Pale underparts are strongly washed orange-buff on flanks. JUVENILE Similar to adult.

Dimensions  Length: 5-5 1/2" (13-14 cm)

Habitat  Widespread and fairly common resident of northern and boreal conifer forests. Mostly rather sedentary, but occasionally undertakes irruptive movements south in late fall and winter if food supplies fail.

Observation Tips  Usually easy to find, but unobtrusive in breeding season.

Range  Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic, New England, Eastern Canada, Rocky Mountains, Alaska, Plains, Northwest, Western Canada

Voice  Has a trilling song; calls include a thin dee and a tsika-chay-chay.

Discussion  Hardy Arctic and northern chickadee with "warm" overall look to plumage. Caches seeds as a food resource for winter months. Sexes are similar.