About the size of a chickadee, with a gray face, distinct black crest, pale forehead, and a small dark bill. Pale grayish body with darker gray wings, rusty-cinnamon flanks and bluish legs Female browner crested; juvenile lacks black crest and has paler flanks. Distinguished from Tufted Titmouse by black crest and pale forehead. Hybrids occur.

Length: 15 (cm) Wingspan: 24 (cm)

Voice:

Harsh, nasal, loud. Peter-peter-peter. See-day-day-day. Also scolding notes.

Habitat:

Oak/Juniper, deciduous and riparian woodlands, mesquite, thorn scrub, urban/suburban areas.

Behavior:

Gleans food from foliage and bark. Very active; often feeds hanging upside down. Forages in family groups.

Feeding:

Diet mainly consists of insects, spiders and larvae.