Identification - This little bird, smaller than a sparrow, is the only chickadee with a bright chestnut back and sides. It also has a black cap and throat, like the Black-capped Chickadee.
Morsels - The Chestnut-backed Chickadee is often found in flocks with other species such as warblers, creepers, and Downy Woodpeckers, particularly just before autumn migration. This mixed-species flocking is thought to benefit the birds by increasing the number of eyes and ears available to detect predators in the area. Mixed species flocks also benefit through individuals of one species locating similar but somewhat different food items from the other species; thus, there is less competition from individuals in mixed-species flocks.
