Tufted Titmouse

A Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) is a small, gray songbird known for its distinctive pointed crest on its head and its loud, whistled song. It is a common visitor to backyard bird feeders and woodlands in eastern North America.

The Tufted Titmouse is a small bird with a gray back and a whitish belly. It has a rusty or cinnamon-colored wash on its flanks. Its most notable feature is the prominent tuft or crest of feathers on its head, which it can raise or lower. It has large black eyes, a short, stout beak, and a small black patch just above its beak.

These birds are non-migratory and are typically found in deciduous and mixed forests, as well as suburban areas with mature trees. They are a common sight at backyard feeders, where they will take sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet. In the wild, their diet consists of insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. They also eat seeds, nuts, and berries, which they often hide in crevices for later consumption, a behavior known as caching.

The Tufted Titmouse is known for its bold and inquisitive nature. They are often seen foraging in trees and are also known for their loud, clear song, which is often a repeated "peter-peter-peter" sound. They are cavity nesters, often using old woodpecker holes or natural tree cavities. They are also known to line their nests with soft materials, including hair plucked from live mammals like raccoons and dogs.