You don’t often see a flock of chickadees and titmice without also seeing the other members of their winter clique – the white-breasted nuthatch and the downy woodpecker. The downy, being more deliberate and cautious, was much easier to photograph than the other members of the merry troupe moving through the woods this afternoon. I heard them coming, mostly the chatter of the chickadees, long before they were in sight. The only bird missing was a brown creeper, but those are hard to find locally. The downy paused briefly to inspect the bark of this birch before drifting leisurely away with the rest of his associates.
It’s thought that a mixed flock like this benefits the members in a few ways. The many eyes and ears may be better able to find predators or food. Each species is able to take advantage of its own niche within the habitat while helping other members of the flock to locate food. We see this at our backyard feeders; curious chickadees are often the first species to check out a new feeder, followed closely by titmice, and finally the more wary woodpeckers. I’ve read that downy woodpeckers use chickadees and titmice as sentinels in a mixed-species flock. I also listen for their high pitched *seeee* notes to know that there’s a hawk overhead.
The winter cliques will be breaking up before long as spring draws near and competition for territory and a mate becomes more important than the companionship of hungry friends. The demands of nesting and feeding a family must not leave time for much else. Until then, our familiar winter birds travel together and liven up the winter landscape with their whispered rumors of spring.
55 thoughts on “Winter cliques”
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Mixed-species flocks make birding a lot easier. I just listen for the chickadees and titmice as I walk through the woods and then look for other birds when I come upon a group.
Laura, you confirmed what I’ve noticed about mixed flocks, particularly with the chickadees and titmice. But those woodpeckers are wary as you said. I’m not home much but I’ve only seen one woodpecker make u-turn at my feeders. Hmmpf! I learn a lot from you. By the way, that a great bird shot!
I had no idea! How interesting. And Mary’s right, that’s a great photo.
I agree, you got a wonderful shot of the woodpecker.
This morning, I was out around six to see if I could get a shot of the moon as it disappeared behing the trees, that didn’t work out, but did hear doves calling, turkeys waking up, and crows doing what they do best, fussing. Even with over a foot of snow on the ground, spring is in the air.
That was me. I spelled my name wrong, and was fixing it, when the comment shot off!
Interesting post Laura,something new and helpful for a very inexperienced bird admirer like myself.
Ruth
I always love finding a flock of birds flying around like this!
Well there’s news. I had no idea Flickers traveled with titmice and chickadees – I thought ours came (we have a pair) just because of the suet, along with the Flicker and the Hairy. How cool!
Sigh. I have Downys, Hairys, and Acorn woodpeckers in my neighborhood. I have Brown Creepers at my neighborhood. But, my feeder birds are just juncos, chickadees, and the occasional nuthatch. It’s a BIG ol’ day when I get to see House Finches at my feeders! Oh, and Steller’s Jays too.
But, since Ruby came to stay, waaaaaay fewer squirrels! Hurray!
I have chickadees, titmice and the sweet downeys as well, but it’s the goldfinch who keep eating me out of house and home this season. I’ve never seen so many, and they’ll sit up in the trees and chiiter chatter so loudly…a huge flock… it’s amazing!
Great shot and cute Chickadee;)
I never knew about the seee notes-interesting!
Laura – As always – I want to comment on your beautiful writing style. Have you ever considered submitting something to “Bird Watcher’s Digest” or another nature publication?
The Downy looks so great on the Birch tree bark. I hadn’t fully appreciated the complex association between these different species this time of year. I guess I thought they were just hanging out together.
Cathy: Thanks – and no thanks. Nightmares of a high-school English teacher. Enuf said.
I did think he looked very handsome in the birch tree. And I wonder too if they don’t just like one another’s company.
😉
Larry: Maybe it’s my hyper-senstitive hearing, but the chickadees are a good clue, for me anyway. Robins do it too.
Tammy: Thanks.
Jayne: I think you’re lucky to have them all winter long.
Liza: You mean you get excited about house finches?
Tammy V.: I’m sure the suet is what brings them close.
Sandy: Yes, I think I hear spring before I see it also!
Mary and John: You both have a good point – their friendships make it a lot easier to locate both.
Thanks for the great perspective. I only recently learned that the nuthatches and chickadees are common in a mixed flock (thru the communication research published last week). I wasn’t aware of the others. I will have to pay more attention. This is why I love “I and the Bird”. Entertaining and educational!
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Oops. My brain just hit a bad sector.
The gene pool could use a little chlorine.