Chickadees are small songbirds in the genus Poecile that are found throughout North America. There are several species of chickadees, but two of the most widespread and commonly encountered are the black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) and the Carolina chickadee (Poecile carolinensis). These two species can be very difficult to tell apart, especially during the winter months when their plumage is less distinctive. However, with some patience and practice, there are several key identification features that can help you confidently determine whether you’re observing a black-capped or Carolina chickadee.
Plumage
The most obvious difference between black-capped and Carolina chickadees is in their plumage, specifically the coloration on their heads. As their name suggests, black-capped chickadees have distinctive black “caps” on the top of their heads that extend below their eyes. The caps are solid black in coloration and sharply defined against the white sides of the face. Carolina chickadees, on the other hand, have gray caps that fade into the lighter gray or white coloration on the sides of the head. The caps on Carolina chickadees can appear darker in low light conditions, but they lack the solid black color and crisp edges of the black-capped’s cap. Outside of the head plumage, the body feathers of Carolina chickadees also tend to be slightly more brownish gray compared to the clean gray coloration of black-capped chickadees.
Plumage Differences
| Black-capped Chickadee | Carolina Chickadee |
|---|---|
| Solid black cap that extends below the eyes | Gray cap that fades into lighter head coloration |
| Crisp edges between black cap and white face | Indistinct edges between gray cap and white face |
| Clean gray body plumage | More brownish gray body plumage |
However, caution must be used when identifying chickadees by plumage in the winter. Both black-capped and Carolina chickadees undergo feather molting in the early spring and fall. During these molting periods, their head pattern can become less distinct and more difficult to discern. Waiting until the chickadee has completed its molt is best for confidently differentiating the two species by plumage.
Range and Distribution
The ranges and distributions of black-capped and Carolina chickadees provide another clue for identification. Black-capped chickadees are found across nearly all of Canada, the northern United States, and into the high elevations of the Appalachian Mountains in the Southeast. Their range extends as far south as Kansas, Missouri, Maryland, and northern New Jersey. Carolina chickadees are mainly found in the southern United States from New Jersey to eastern Kansas, and south throughout Texas and Florida. They also occur along the Atlantic coast up to Massachusetts. Throughout the southern portions of their ranges, the two species may overlap. But in the northern United States and Canada, the presence of black-capped chickadees is a strong indicator that’s the species you’re observing. Likewise, in the deep south, the presence of Carolina chickadees is more likely. Be aware of your location within North America when using range as an identification clue.
Range Maps
| Black-capped Chickadee | Carolina Chickadee |
|---|---|
| Northern U.S. and Canada | Southeastern U.S. |
| West to Kansas and Missouri | Up Atlantic coast to Massachusetts |
| South to Maryland and New Jersey | West to eastern Kansas |
| Found in Appalachian Mountains | South throughout Texas and Florida |
Song and Calls
The songs and call notes of black-capped and Carolina chickadees also differ, providing a reliable way to identify them. Black-capped chickadees have a slower, lower-pitched “fee-bee” song. Their “chick-a-dee-dee” call is slower and the “dee” notes trail down the scale in pitch. Carolina chickadees have a faster, higher-pitched and more whistled “fee-bee-ee” song. Their call is faster overall with the pitch of the “dee” notes constant or rising slightly. These vocal differences can be subtle and it takes practice to discern them. Listening to recordings of the two species can help train your ear. With patience, their distinct songs and calls can aid identification, even during the winter when plumage differences are less useful.
Song and Call Differences
| Black-capped Chickadee | Carolina Chickadee |
|---|---|
| Lower-pitched, slower “fee-bee” song | Higher-pitched, faster “fee-bee-ee” song |
| Slower “chick-a-dee-dee” call | Faster “chick-a-dee-dee” call |
| “Dee” notes decrease in pitch | “Dee” notes same pitch or increase slightly |
Behavior
Finally, subtle differences in behavior can assist with chickadee identification. Black-capped chickadees are more easily attracted to “pishing”, the sound made by pursing your lips and making a high-pitched “psshhh” sound. This sours Carolina chickadees, who may actively avoid pishing. Black-capped chickadees are also more likely to curiously approach humans, vehicles, or other novel objects in their environment. Carolina chickadees tend to be warier and keep their distance. Observing the bird’s comfort level around you and their reaction to pishing can provide additional clues to the species.
Behavioral Differences
| Black-capped Chickadee | Carolina Chickadee |
|---|---|
| More attracted to pishing | Avoids pishing |
| Approaches novel objects | Warier of novel objects |
| More comfortable around humans | Keeps distance from humans |
Conclusion
Telling apart black-capped and Carolina chickadees is easiest with a clear view of the head plumage. The solid black cap extending below the eyes indicates a black-capped, while the indistinct gray cap points to a Carolina. However, plumage differences can be subtle during the molting seasons. In these cases, factors like range, vocalizations, and behavior provide additional clues. With practice, patience, and an awareness of all the identification features, anyone can learn to confidently differentiate these two similar chickadee species. Chickadee identification provides an enjoyable challenge for birders of all skill levels.
