Has distinctive combination of black cap, white cheeks, and black bib. Overall plumage varies from bright to faded, with mostly whitish underparts, buffy flanks, grayish wings and back, bright white edges on the secondaries, and gray legs. Bill is very short, narrow and pointed. Three distinct subspecies. Eastern birds are a bit brighter white below; Rocky Mountain subspecies is larger, paler, and less colorful on the flanks; Pacific subspecies is smaller, darker overall, most colorful (buffy) on the flanks, and slightly olive on the back. Compare to the slightly smaller Carolina chickadee, which is grayer on sides of the nape and has a more crisply defined bib, paler flanks, and less contrasting secondaries. Hybrids occur.

Length: 13 (cm) Wingspan: 21 (cm)

Voice:

Common vocalizations: Chik-a-dee-dee, Feebee, Feebee-bee; Lower pitched, slower, less clear than Carolina. Harsh chik also. Chickadees learn to sing and can learn the 'wrong' song.

Habitat:

Common in deciduous woodlands and vegetated residential areas. Less frequent, but regular in conifers.

Behavior:

Highly active and curious, responds readily to "pishing" and owl imitations. Often hangs upside-down when feeding and stashes seeds in tiny crevices. Forms flocks with other small passerines (kinglets, warblers, and nuthatches) during winter.

Feeding:

Diet consists of insects, spiders, berries and seeds. Common at feeders.