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By Krystal Miller
Geographic Range
The Chestnut-Backed Chickadee is a permanent resident of the Pacific Northwest forests, ranging from central California to south central Alaska. (Gilson 1994)
Biogeographic Regions
nearctic 
(Native )
Habitat
Chestnut-Backed Chickadees make their nest along streams and rivers of the low-elevations of the Pacific Northwest. The nest of these birds are found in mature conifers, but especially in pine, cedar, and hemlock trees. (Fellows)
Terrestrial Biomes
taiga ; forest
Physical Description
The Chestnut-Backed Chickadee measures 12.5 cm in length with a small body and a long tail. Chestnut-Backed Chickadees have a chestnut colored back and behind, and a black bib with white cheeks.(Pearson 1936) You can identify this chickadee by its call. It is very distinct and has a chipper ring. (Mathews 1967)
Reproduction
The Chestnut-Backed Chickadee usually nests in trees ranging in size from 3.7 to 12.2 meters high. The nest consists of fur, feathers, moss, and various other materials found in the forest. Each clutch size is between 5 to 7 eggs. The eggs are usually unmarked and have a white color, but some may have a reddish tint with chestnut spotting. (Pearson 1936)
Lifespan/Longevity
Behavior
It is not uncommon to see this chickadee swinging down off branches in search of insects to consume. Chestnut-Backed Chickadees are very friendly birds. These birds are social birds traveling in flocks of mixed birds consisting of creepers, woodpeckers, kinglets, and other species of birds. ("Infoplease 'Timous'" 1994)
Key Behaviors
flies
Food Habits
The Chestnut-Backed Chickadee is an omnivore. Their diet includes a variety of different seeds, spiders, caterpillars, and many other different insects. It is not uncommon to see this type of bird swinging off the tips of branches in search of insects to consume. ("Infoplease 'Chickadee'" 1994)
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive
The Chestnut-Backed Chickadees benefit humans by decreasing the insect population. Also, many people like to build houses for these birds and watch how they live, considering that they are a very social and pleasant bird to have living in a backyard. (Gough 1998)
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List [Link]
Least Concern
US Federal List [Link]
No special status
CITES [Link]
No special status
The only factor that may affect the Chestnut-Backed Chickadee is the acid rain polluting the forests of the United States. ("Wildlife Fact-File 'Acid Rain and its Effect on Wildlife'" 1997)
Other Comments
A playful and friendly bird, the Chestnut-Backed Chickadee can be trained to take food from the hand of a human. (Pearson 1936)
For More Information
Find Parus rufescens information at
Contributors
Krystal Miller (author), Milford High School, George Campbell (editor), Milford High School.
