Yes, there are chickadees found in Austin, Texas. The most common species is the Black-capped Chickadee, which is a year-round resident throughout much of the eastern half of Texas including the Austin area.
What types of chickadees live in Austin?
The two main chickadee species found in Austin are:
- Black-capped Chickadee – This is the most common and widespread chickadee species in Austin. It has a black cap and bib, white cheeks, and a gray back and wings.
- Carolina Chickadee – A less common resident of the pine forests in central Texas. It has a black cap and bib like the Black-capped, but has a white line over the eye and warmer brown sides.
Other less common chickadees that may be seen rarely in the Austin area during the winter months include:
- Mountain Chickadee – Found in higher elevation pine forests of central Texas.
- Tufted Titmouse – A relative of chickadees that is also a year-round resident.
Where can you find chickadees in Austin?
Black-capped Chickadees and Carolina Chickadees can be found in a variety of semi-open and wooded habitats in the Austin area, including:
- Backyards
- City parks and greenbelts
- Along creeks and rivers
- Oak-juniper woodlands
- Pine forests
Some specific places to look for chickadees in Austin include:
- Zilker Park
- Barton Creek Greenbelt
- Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
- St. Edward’s Park
- McKinney Falls State Park
Chickadees are abundant throughout the Austin area year-round. They can be attracted to backyards using bird feeders stocked with black oil sunflower seeds.
What do chickadees eat?
Chickadees are omnivorous and eat a wide variety of foods depending on the season:
- Seeds – Chickadees will eat a wide variety of seeds of trees, shrubs, and herbs. Black oil sunflower seeds are a favorite.
- Berries – Wild fruits like dogwood, juniper, sumac, and hackberry berries.
- Insects – Chickadees eat insects and spiders, especially during spring and summer when raising young.
- Suet – Chickadees are attracted to animal fat and suet feeders.
- Nuts – They will eat shelled peanuts and other nuts.
- Eggs – Chickadees may eat eggs and nestlings of other birds.
Chickadees have a very fast metabolism and need to eat frequently throughout the day to maintain their energy levels. Offering a variety of foods will help attract chickadees to your backyard.
What do chickadees look like?
The Black-capped Chickadee has these identifying features:
- Small songbird about 4-6 inches in length.
- Round body shape.
- Black cap and bib (throat patch).
- White cheeks.
- Gray back, wings, and tail.
- Pale buff underparts.
- Short dark bill.
- Long tail compared to body size.
The Carolina Chickadee looks very similar but has:
- Thinner black bib.
- Warm brown sides.
- White line over eye.
The chickadees found in Austin are active and acrobatic birds. They stay mainly in the tree canopies but will regularly visit feeders. Chickadees have a variety of vocalizations, including their familiar “chick-a-dee” song.
When and where do chickadees nest in Austin?
Chickadees nest in tree cavities or nest boxes in the Austin area between March and July. The nesting period peaks between April and June.
Some key facts about chickadee nesting:
- Chickadees use old woodpecker holes or natural tree cavities for nest sites.
- They will readily use nest boxes targeted for chickadees.
- The female builds the nest out of moss, grass, bark strips, and feathers.
- Typical clutch size is 6-8 eggs.
- The female incubates the eggs for about 12-13 days.
- Chicks fledge from the nest at about 16-18 days old.
Providing a nest box during late winter can help attract breeding chickadees to your yard. Chickadees prefer forested areas near water for nesting.
What sounds and songs do chickadees make?
Chickadees have a wide repertoire of vocalizations:
- Chick-a-dee call – Their familiar namesake call. Often given in alarm or excitement.
- Fee-bee song – A complex song using “fee-bee” notes. Sung by males in spring.
- Gargle call – A rattle-like call used in agonistic situations.
- Tseet call – A short high-pitched contact call.
Chickadees use their calls and songs to communicate with each other and establish territories. Learning their vocalizations can help birders identify and locate chickadees in the field.
How can you attract chickadees to your yard?
Here are some tips to bring chickadees to your backyard:
- Put up bird feeders with black oil sunflower seeds.
- Offer suet feeders or suet cages.
- Keep feeders stocked consistently, as chickadees will establish feeding routines.
- Provide a nest box targeted for chickadees.
- Plant native trees and shrubs that produce seeds and berries.
- Add a small water feature like a birdbath.
- Avoid pesticides that reduce the insect population chickadees rely on.
- Set up feeders and nest boxes away from disturbance and predators.
With a little effort, you can turn your backyard into a chickadee haven! The sounds of chickadees visiting your feeders will brighten up your day.
Conclusion
Chickadees are charismatic and animated songbirds that bring energy wherever they go. In Austin, birders can readily find Black-capped Chickadees and Carolina Chickadees in most wooded and semi-open areas year-round. Chickadees frequent backyard feeders and nest boxes, especially when black oil sunflower seeds are offered consistently. Their acrobatic movements and “chick-a-dee” calls make chickadees a delight to have in your yard. Encouraging chickadees to visit your property will also increase the biodiversity in your area. With a little effort to provide food, water and nest sites, you’ll quickly have these little birds flocking to your backyard.