Chickadee Houses

Black-capped Chickadees inhabit the northern two-thirds of the United States and much of Canada. They winter throughout their range and do not exhibit any formal, large-scale migration patterns. Occasionally, there are sudden movements, or irruptions, of young birds in the fall and early winter. Black-capped Chickadees prefer mixed deciduous and coniferous forests. They are found both at forest edges and deep within forests. They are also common in rural and suburban areas containing scattered trees, such as old fields, thickets, and parks. Generally, the breeding season begins in early April in the southern portion of the range and in early May in the northern portion. Black-capped Chickadee houses should be placed in habitats receiving 40-60% sunlight such as forests, woodlots, and yards with mature hardwood trees, forest edges or meadows. Black-capped Chickadee houses should be mounted 5 to 15 feet high and spaced one per 10 acres with the entrance hole facing away from prevailing wind. 1 inch of wood shavings can be placed in the house.

The Carolina Chickadee inhabits the southeastern United States, breeding in open deciduous and mixed deciduous-coniferous forests. It is also found in rural woodlands, cultivated areas with scattered trees, swamps, thickets, suburban parks, and residential areas. Although the nesting behavior of the Carolina Chickadee is very similar to that of the Black-capped Chickadee, Carolina Chickadees tend to rely less on the presence of natural cavities and old woodpecker holes than its northern relative. Rather, it excavates its own cavities in snags, rotting tree trunks, and limbs for nesting purposes. This species also occasionally nests in nest boxes, but not as frequently as the Black-capped Chickadee. Carolina Chickadee houses should be placed in habitats receiving 40-60% sunlight such as forests, woodlots, and yards with mature hardwood trees, forest edges or meadows. Carolina Chickadee houses should be mounted 5 to 15 feet high with the entrance hole facing away from prevailing wind. 1 inch of wood shavings can be placed in the house.

Mountain Chickadees are found in the western United States and Canada. They breed at high elevations (5,000 to 11,000 feet) in coniferous and mixed coniferous-deciduous forests. It is a residential species, but some individuals move to lower elevations in the winter. Mountain Chickadees only excavate nests if other sites are unavailable. This species more readily nests in snags, natural cavities, abandoned woodpecker holes, banks and holes in the ground, under rocks, and in nest boxes. Their nests tend to be low to the ground. Mountain Chickadee houses should be placed in coniferous forests, forest edges and woodland clearings. Mountain Chickadee houses should be mounted 5 to 15 feet high with the entrance hole facing away from prevailing wind. 1 inch of wood shavings can be placed in the house.

Chickadee House
$27.95

Backyard Bird House
$32.95

Coveside Bird House Features