The Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) is a small songbird found throughout eastern and central North America. With its distinctive tufted grey crest, bold black eyeline, and soft grey upperparts, the Tufted Titmouse is easily recognizable. Though widespread, Tufted Titmice are more commonly found in deciduous or mixed forests. They frequent backyards and parks as well, especially if feeders are present. For birdwatchers hoping to catch a glimpse of this active, noisy titmouse, here are some tips on where to look.
Range and Habitat Preferences
Tufted Titmice are found throughout eastern and central North America from southern Canada south to the Gulf Coast states and into central Texas. Their breeding range centers in the eastern United States and populations thin out towards the western edges of their range. Tufted Titmice are non-migratory and do not travel far, remaining in the same general areas year-round.
Preferred habitat types include:
- Deciduous forests
- Mixed forests
- Woodland edges
- Parks and gardens
- Suburban areas
Tufted Titmice rely heavily on trees, especially oak, for food and shelter. They are commonly found foraging along the outer branches and twigs of mature trees. Though they nest in tree cavities, they do not excavate their own nest sites. Instead, they rely on naturally formed holes or old woodpecker cavities.
Highest densities
The core of the Tufted Titmouse’s breeding range centers on the Ohio River Valley and along the Appalachian Mountains. States with the highest densities include:
- Ohio
- Kentucky
- Tennessee
- West Virginia
- Virginia
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- Maryland
Expanding range
While Tufted Titmice numbers are declining in parts of the Midwest, their range continues to expand westward. States along the western range limits that have seen increases in breeding populations include:
- Missouri
- Kansas
- Oklahoma
- Texas
This range expansion is likely due to the increase in supplemental feeding from backyard bird feeders. Tufted Titmice readily visit feeders for sunflower seeds, suet, and peanuts. They may initially avoid novel feeders but will become regular visitors over time. Providing food and nest boxes can help attract Tufted Titmice into new areas.
Where to Look for Tufted Titmice
When searching for Tufted Titmice, the most productive places include:
Backyard Feeders
If you want to attract Tufted Titmice to your own backyard, offering sunflower seeds or suet is your best bet. Platform feeders, hopper feeders, or tube feeders with large ports all allow easy perching and feeding access for Tufted Titmice. They tend to feed methodically, taking one seed at a time. Place feeders near trees or woodland edges within their range and be patient. It may take some time for Tufted Titmice to find new feeders.
Parks and Gardens
In areas where Tufted Titmice occur, they are likely visitors to parks, gardens, and other semi-wooded locations. They blend into the grey branches as they hop along seeking insects, berries, and seeds. Parks with mature oak or hickory trees are especially favored. Watch and listen for them in the upper canopy as they forage and call to one another with their distinguishing “peto-peto-peto” notes.
Forest Trails and Edges
Walking trails that border or cut through deciduous woodland provide your best chance to observe Tufted Titmice going about their daily business. Watch for their gray and rusty coloration contrasting against the browns and greens of the forest. Listen for the telltale calls and the sound of their feet pattering along branches. In winter when the leaves have dropped, spotting them is easier. Focus your attention along the outer branches of taller trees.
Notable Sites
Some specific sites known for their Tufted Titmouse populations:
- Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
- Morton Arboretum, Illinois
- Mount Auburn Cemetery, Massachusetts
- Washington Park Arboretum, Washington
Any mature eastern deciduous forest with clear understory and oak trees provides prime habitat for Tufted Titmice. State parks, nature preserves, wildlife refuges, and other protected natural areas within their range offer sighting opportunities.
When to See Tufted Titmice
Tufted Titmice stick around their home ranges year-round. However, during harsh winters when food becomes scarce they may wander farther in search of resources. The birds are easiest to spot and most active on warmer sunny days when insects are available.
Spring
Spring is a great time to find vocal, territorial titmice. Listen for their “peto-peto” calls and rapid trilling songs as males advertise breeding territories. In April and May, watch for pairings as they search for nest sites and carry nesting material. They often nest in close proximity to feeders.
Summer
In summer, adults are busy finding food to satisfy the appetites of nestlings. Focus on the tree canopies to spot them gathering caterpillars, spiders, berries, and seeds. Young may still be begging from parents into early July.
Fall
Fall is an active time as titmice cache seeds and feed heavily to build up fat reserves for winter. They may be slightly less vocal now but remain active in their foraging and caching behaviours. Watch for them hiding seeds in bark crevices.
Winter
Tufted Titmice are hardy and can withstand cold winters. However, they really benefit from supplementary feeding during this lean season. Stock your feeders and watch as they make regular visits for much needed calories. Their loud vocalizations are often the first clue that titmice are back at the feeders.
Tips for Spotting Tufted Titmice
Here are some useful tips to improve your chances of observing Tufted Titmice:
- Get to know their distinctive calls, a series of repeated, buzzy “peto” notes.
- Watch and listen from afar. Tufted Titmice are easily spooked and may avoid approaching observers.
- Try pishing, making “spishing” sounds to mimic a bird in distress and prompt curiosity.
- Use peanut feeders to draw them into view.
- Set up nest boxes to attract breeding pairs.
- Offer suet feeders as an excellent winter food source.
- Sit quietly near seed feeders and wait for them to return.
- Be patient, allow time for them to get used to new feeders and environments.
With a little effort, you’re likely to be rewarded with satisfying views of this charismatic little songbird. Happy birding!
Conclusion
The Tufted Titmouse is a delightful backyard visitor within its range in eastern and central North America. By understanding where they occur, their habitat preferences, behavior, and seasonal patterns, birdwatchers can pinpoint the best opportunities for observation. Parks, woodland edges, mature deciduous forests, and feeders in appropriate locations offer the greatest chances of sighting these active grey songbirds. With their expressive crests, bold markings, and noisy chickadee-like voices, Tufted Titmice are sure to bring a smile once they discover your backyard.
