Tufted Titmouse

Soft silvery-gray upperparts, whitish underparts, and a rusty or peach-colored wash on the flanks. It features a prominent gray crest and a small black patch just above its bill.

Distinctive gray crest, black patch above the bill, silvery-gray back, whitish belly, and rusty-peach flanks.

Length: 14-16 cm (5.5-6.3 in), Wingspan: 20-24 cm (7.9-9.4 in), Weight: 18-26 g (0.6-0.9 oz).

A clear, whistled series of notes usually described as 'peter, peter, peter', alongside various scolding and chattering calls.

Omnivorous; feeds on insects, spiders, berries, seeds, nuts, and small fruits. Forages actively among tree branches and caches food for later.

Deciduous and mixed forests, woodlots, shade trees in suburban neighborhoods, and parks.

Permanent resident; non-migratory throughout its range.

Cavity nesters using natural tree holes, old woodpecker holes, or nest boxes. They line the nest with soft materials like moss, fur, and hair. Clutch size is typically 5 to 6 eggs.

Black-crested Titmouse (found in Texas and Mexico, features a black crest) and Juniper Titmouse (western US, lacks the peachy flanks and has a browner tone).

Plays an important role in forest ecosystems by consuming vast quantities of insect pests and helping disperse seeds.

IUCN Least Concern with stable or increasing populations.

Easily attracted to backyard bird feeders offering sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet. Listen for their loud, clear 'peter-peter-peter' calls.

Tufted Titmice are known to pluck hair directly from living mammals, including dogs, raccoons, and humans, to line the inside of their nests.