Tufted Titmouse

Tufted Titmouse

  • Species: Baeolophus2 bicolor
  • Type: Bird
  • Range: Eastern and northeastern Texas, eastern U.S.
  • Typical Size: 5.5-6.3 inches in length; ~0.7 oz in weight
  • Plumage Colors: Soft gray back, white underside, peachy flanks, and a gray crest (lacks black crest)
  • Habitat Needs: Deciduous woodlands, parks, and well-treed neighborhoods
  • Activity Period: Diurnal
  • Diet: Insects, seeds, nuts, and berries; frequent visitor to feeders with sunflower seeds and suet
  • Song/Call Description: A clear, whistled “peter-peter-peter” or “here-here-here,” with sharp scolding calls

Bird Behavior

  • Notable Behaviors: Energetic and alert, often forages with chickadees and nuthatches; will cache food
  • Nesting Habits: Cavity nester; accepts nest boxes and uses woodpecker holes
  • Attracts To Garden By: Native trees, black oil sunflower seeds, and suet feeders
  • Migration Patterns: Non-migratory; expanding range westward into more of Texas

Favorite Plants Or Features

  • Favorite Trees/Shrubs: Oak, hickory, elm, pecan
  • Favorite Flowers/Grasses: Supports from insect-rich native landscapes
  • Shelter Choices: Natural cavities and artificial nest boxes

Notes

  • Interaction with Pets: Skittish around outdoor cats; known to give warning calls
  • Special Notes: Interbreeds with Black-crested Titmouse where ranges overlap; hybrids are often indistinguishable by sight

Description

The Tufted Titmouse is a lively and perky presence at any well-stocked feeder, especially fond of sunflower seeds and suet. With its soft gray coat and expressive eyes, this bird is as charming as it is clever-often caching food for later use and rarely flying solo. Though not as bold in appearance as the Black-crested Titmouse, its familiar “peter-peter” song rings loud and clear through North Texas neighborhoods, where its range is steadily inching west.

Known Emberwood Members