Bushtits are tiny birds found in western North America. Despite their small size, Bushtits have a large range stretching from western Canada down to Mexico. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the habitat and range of the Bushtit.
Quick Facts
Here are some quick facts about Bushtit birds:
- Scientific Name: Psaltriparus minimus
- Other Common Names: Little Bushtit, Common Bushtit
- Size: 4-5 inches, weighs less than 0.2 oz
- Identifying Markings: Gray body, white cheeks, black eyes
- Habitat: Open woodlands, chaparral, parks, gardens
- Range: Western North America from Canada to Mexico
- Diet: Insects, spiders, caterpillars
- Lifespan: Up to 7 years
Appearance and Size
The Bushtit is one of the smallest songbirds in North America. Adults measure just 4-5 inches in length and weigh less than 0.2 ounces. That’s about the same size as a ping pong ball!
Their tiny bodies are round and plump. Bushtits have a gray back, light belly, and white cheeks. Their eyes are black. The tail is short and stubby.
Male and female Bushtits look nearly identical. Juveniles may be slightly duller in color but otherwise resemble the adults.
Habitat
Bushtits inhabit open woodlands across western North America. They prefer areas with a mix of trees, shrubs, and open space. Some of their favorite habitats include:
- Oak woodlands
- Pine-oak forests
- Mixed evergreen forests
- Riparian woodlands near streams
- Chaparral
- Brushesy hillsides
- Parks and gardens
The presence of small trees and shrubs is critical, as they rely on these plants for food, shelter, and nesting sites. However, Bushtits avoid dense, closed-canopy forests. A touch of open space and sunlight is preferred.
In urban and suburban areas, Bushtits frequent parks, gardens, golf courses, and other green spaces with trees and bushes. Native plants that produce seeds and berries will help attract them.
Range
Bushtits have an extensive range that includes much of western North America. Their breeding range extends from:
- Southwestern British Columbia
- Western Washington and Oregon
- California
- Western Nevada
- Western Utah
- Western Colorado
- Arizona
- New Mexico
- Western Texas
- Northern Mexico
In winter, Bushtits may wander eastward across the Great Plains. But the core of their range remains along the West Coast and through the Southwest.
Here is a map showing the breeding and year-round range of the Bushtit:
Although found across much of western North America, Bushtits do not occur everywhere within this broad range. They may be absent from higher elevations in some mountain ranges. Local populations also fluctuate naturally based on food availability and habitat conditions.
Preferred Elevation
Bushtits typically occur at elevations below 9,800 feet. Within their range, they can be found at:
- Sea level along the Pacific Coast
- Low-elevation valleys and basins
- Foothills up to 6,500 feet
- Lower and mid-level mountain slopes up to 9,800 feet
They are generally absent from high alpine areas above treeline. The highest elevations they inhabit are in the mountains of southern California and the Southwestern states.
Population and Conservation Status
Bushtits are common within their range. Partners in Flight estimates a global breeding population of 19 million birds. Their numbers appear stable, and they are not considered threatened or endangered.
However, Bushtits face some of the same threats as other songbirds, including:
- Habitat loss and fragmentation
- Climate change
- Predation by invasive species
Maintaining healthy woodlands and chaparral habitats will benefit Bushtit populations. Providing native plants for food and nesting in urban green spaces may also help attract them.
Interesting Bushtit Facts
Beyond where they live, here are a few more interesting facts about these tiny songbirds:
- Bushtits build elaborate hanging nests from plant materials and spider silk. Nests may have over 2,000 openings!
- They constantly flutter their wings and rarely sit still.
- Highly social, Bushtits travel in flocks of up to 12 birds or more.
- They huddle together in dense vegetation to stay warm in winter.
- Both parents incubate the eggs and care for the young.
- Groups communicate with quiet calls and song notes.
- Bushtits eat up to 99% insects during the breeding season.
Conclusion
In summary, Bushtits inhabit a variety of open woodland and chaparral habitats across western North America. Their tiny size and constant motion make them entertaining to watch. Providing appropriate native plants can help attract Bushtits to backyards and urban green spaces.
Although widespread, maintaining healthy habitats will be important for the future of these tiny acrobats. Their high-pitched cheeps and whirring wings bring delightful energy wherever Bushtits occur.
