Quick Answers
The tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) and Black-crested titmouse (Baeolophus atricristatus) are two similar looking songbird species found in North America. The main differences between them are:
- Range – Tufted titmice are found in eastern North America, while Black-crested titmice are found in south-central North America.
- Crest – Tufted titmice have a prominent pointed crest, while Black-crested titmice have a flattened crest.
- Color – Tufted titmice are gray above with rusty flanks and whitish below. Black-crested titmice are gray above with darker flanks and pale gray below.
- Size – Tufted titmice are slightly larger than Black-crested titmice.
- Voice – The two species have distinctive calls.
Despite these differences, the two titmouse species have very similar behaviors and habitats. They are active, social songbirds that live in woodlands and readily come to bird feeders. Differentiating between the tufted titmouse and Black-crested titmouse mainly relies on range, crest shape, and flank color.
Geographic Range
The tufted titmouse and Black-crested titmouse have distinct, non-overlapping geographic ranges in North America:
- Tufted titmouse range – Occupies eastern North America from southern Canada south to the Gulf Coast states.
- Black-crested titmouse range – Occupies south-central North America from Texas to central Mexico.
The tufted titmouse is found in deciduous and mixed forests across much of the eastern half of the United States and southeastern Canada. Its range extends north to southern Ontario and Quebec, south to the Gulf Coast, and west to eastern Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
The Black-crested titmouse has a more restricted range centered in Texas and northeastern Mexico. It is found from central Texas south through northeastern Mexico in the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains. The range extends north along river bottoms into Oklahoma and southwestern Arkansas.
The two species’ ranges are separated by a gap of several hundred miles across western Texas, meaning they do not overlap or interbreed. The tufted titmouse is a very common backyard bird over much of its range, while the Black-crested titmouse is relatively localized in central Texas.
Field Identification
Though similar in shape and behavior, tufted and Black-crested titmice can be distinguished by several key field marks:
Crest Shape
- Tufted titmouse – Prominent pointed crest, often laid flat.
- Black-crested titmouse – Low flattened crest, not as prominent.
The tufted titmouse has a bold pointed crest that can be raised or lowered at will. When raised fully, it appears as a sharp spike crest. When laid flat, it appears rounded. The Black-crested titmouse crest is not as prominent, appearing flattened against the head even when raised fully. This gives it a less conspicuous profile.
Flank Color
- Tufted titmouse – Rusty orange flanks.
- Black-crested titmouse – Dark gray flanks.
When visible, flank color is a reliable way to identify these species. The tufted titmouse has bright rusty orange flanks that contrast with its gray back. The Black-crested titmouse flanks are a darker sooty gray that blends with the back, lacking orange tones.
Belly Color
- Tufted titmouse – Clean white belly.
- Black-crested titmouse – Pale gray belly.
Viewed from below, tufted titmice have a bold white belly that contrasts with the flank color. Black-crested titmice have paler gray underparts that blend into the flanks, lacking a sharp delineation.
Size
- Tufted titmouse – 5.75-6.75 in, 18-24 g.
- Black-crested titmouse – 5.25-6 in, 16-20 g.
The tufted titmouse averages slightly larger than the Black-crested titmouse in length and weight. However, size differences can be difficult to judge in the field.
Voice
- Tufted titmouse – Rising, whistled “Peter! Peter! Peter!” calls.
- Black-crested titmouse – Buzzing “zreeee” calls, sometimes doubled.
The vocalizations of these species are distinct and can be used to confirm an identification when visual differences are unclear. Tufted titmice give a loud, upslurred whistled call, sometimes likened to “Peter! Peter! Peter!” Black-crested titmice give buzzy “zreeee” calls that lack clear notes.
Similar Species
The tufted and Black-crested titmouse are most likely to be confused with each other where their ranges approach in Texas. However, they could potentially be confused with other species including:
- Juniper titmouse – Smaller gray crest, whiter below, smaller bill.
- Oak titmouse – Larger bill, rusty forehead, plainer face.
- Bridled titmouse – Darker cap, white eye stripe, oak woodlands.
- Chickadees – Smaller, round heads, shorter tails.
Taking note of voice, plumage patterns, size, and range makes correctly identifying tufted and Black-crested titmice relatively straightforward. Hybridization between the two has not been documented.
Habitat and Behavior
Despite their distinct ranges, tufted and Black-crested titmice share very similar breeding habitats and behaviors:
Habitats
- Deciduous or mixed woodlands
- Parks and residential areas
- Riparian corridors
Both species favor mature open deciduous or mixed forests, particularly those with oak trees. They readily adapt to wooded parks, gardens, and other semi-natural habitats around human settlements.
Foods
- Insects
- Spiders
- Snails
- Seeds and nuts
- Berries
- Bird feeders
Tufted and Black-crested titmice are omnivores, taking a wide variety of animal and plant foods. They actively forage in trees for insects and other small invertebrates. They also eat seeds and nuts, especially acorns, and visit berry bushes and bird feeders.
Behavior
- Active and acrobatic foragers, often hanging upside-down.
- Social, travelling in small flocks.
- Vocal, with frequent contact calls.
- Cavity nesters, often re-using old woodpecker holes.
- Territorial, defending feeding areas.
Both titmouse species exhibit energetic foraging as they search for food, frequently hanging upside down on branches and twigs. They are highly social, travelling in mixed flocks with chickadees and other songbirds. Frequent contact calls are used to keep in touch. They nest in tree cavities, readily using nest boxes.
Taxonomy
Tufted and Black-crested titmice belong to the same genus Baeolophus in the paridae family of tits and chickadees:
- Baeolophus bicolor – Tufted titmouse
- Baeolophus atricristatus – Black-crested titmouse
The two were formerly classified as a single species but were split based on differences in morphology and geographic isolation. Some authorities place them in the genus Parus along with other titmice.
Four subspecies of the tufted titmouse are recognized:
- B. b. bicolor – Northeastern tufted titmouse
- B. b. mitratus – Southeastern tufted titmouse
- B. b. texensis – Texas tufted titmouse
- B. b. juniperi – Juniper titmouse
The Black-crested titmouse has no recognized subspecies. Genetic studies show the two species diverged around 2 million years ago.
Conservation Status
Both the tufted titmouse and Black-crested titmouse are classified as species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. They have large populations and expansive ranges, with no major threats.
- Tufted titmouse: >14 million individuals, range of >1.2 million square km.
- Black-crested titmouse: 1-10 million individuals, range of >500,000 square km.
Tufted titmouse numbers likely increased with forest clearance in historical times, favoring edge habitats. Its range has also expanded northward and westward, possibly due to climate change as well as bird feeding.
Targeted conservation actions are not required for either species currently. Providing bird feeders, nest boxes, and preserving areas of native woods helps support titmouse populations.
Unique Attributes
Beyond field identification differences, some unique attributes of each species include:
Tufted Titmouse
- Larger bill adapted for crushing seeds.
- Sexes differ slightly in appearance.
- Northern groups migrate short distances.
- Recent northward range expansion.
Black-crested Titmouse
- Builds domed nests with side entrance holes.
- Sometimes excavates its own cavities.
- Male and female look alike.
- Sedentary year-round across range.
These more subtle differences reflect the two species’ long independent evolution. Differences in bill size likely relate to dietary preferences. Range movements occur more in tufted titmice populations. The Black-crested titmouse appears better adapted to hot, dry environments.
Conclusion
While the tufted titmouse and Black-crested titmouse appear very similar at first glance, they can be reliably told apart by geographic range, subtle plumage and morphological differences, and voice. The two species occupy distinct ranges in eastern and south-central North America respectively. Key field marks include crest shape, flank color, and belly tones. Size, bills, behavior, and other traits also have subtle differences. Their taxonomic status as distinct species in the genus Baeolophus is well established. Both titmice remain common and secure in suitable habitats across their ranges.