Habitat

Breeding Range

Deciduous and mixed deciduous/coniferous woodland, open woods and parks, willow thickets, and cottonwood groves. Also disturbed areas, such as old fields or suburban areas, where suitable nest sites are available with sufficient foliage to support adequate food for dependent offspring. Generally more common near edges of wooded areas, but can be found even in the middle of large wooded tracts. Chickadees are most often found within 75 m of forest boundaries and often move parallel to forest edges, which act as movement conduits (Desrochers and Fortin 2000). They show a preference for woodlot fragments that feature a large canopy of old trees (Grubb and Bronson 2001). Often found in, though not confined to, areas where birch (Betula sp.) or alder (Alnus sp.) trees occur; these softwood trees provide both food and nest sites (Mennill and Ratcliffe 2004b). See also Breeding: nest site.

Little range overlap with other species of chickadees. Separated from both Boreal Chickadees (P. hudsonicus) in the north and Chestnut-backed Chickadees (P. rufescens) in the Pacific northwest by the latter two species’ strong preference for coniferous forest habitat (Smith 1991). Segregated by altitude both from the (higher) Mountain Chickadee in the western mountains and from the (lower) Carolina Chickadee in the Great Smokey Mtns. (Tennessee, N. Carolina), although Carolina replaces Black-capped on some mountaintops (Tanner 1952).

Spring And Fall Migration; Migration Range

Similar to breeding range, but also, in irruption years, in considerably less suitable habitat such as the middle of large cities and coastal areas evidently lacking nest or roost cavities, but with plenty of dense vegetation, such as large bushes.

In mountainous areas, some vertical movement possible annually, with chickadees moving down from the highest areas during the winter (Smith and Van Buskirk 1988).