ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Tufted Titmouse

 Tufted Titmouse

tufted titmouse

A common permanent resident of woodlands and residential areas, the titmouse is sometimes called the "sugar bird" because it often starts singing in the winter when the sap in the maple trees begins to run. Habits are much like those of the chickadee, but the titmouse is not as confiding.



Listen
 

Tufted Titmouse
Parus bicolor

At-a-Glance

• Peak Breeding Activity: March-May

• Incubation: 17 days

• Clutch Size: 5-6 eggs

• Young Fledge: 17-18 days after hatching

• Typical Foods: insects, nuts, seeds, and fruit
Description
This gray bird has conspicuous black eyes, a prominent crest and rust-colored sides.

Habitat and Habits
The titmouse can be seen in forests, woodlots, parks, and neighborhoods with ample tree cover. Their loud, whistled peter-peter-peter song is a characteristic sound of Ohio forests.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Five to six brown-spotted white eggs are laid in a tree cavity or nesting box stuffed with leaves and moss. Both parents, and occasionally nest helpers, feed the young.