THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CHICKADEES

Chickadees are also known for their vocalizations, particularly their namesake “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call, which can vary in intensity depending on their excitement or alarm. Another common sound is their sweet, clear “fee-bee” song, often heard during mating season.

To attract chickadees, offer foods like sunflower hearts, peanuts, suet, and mealworms. They are agile and can use a variety of feeders, but they are especially fond of tube feeders, suet cages, and hopper feeders. Chickadees are curious and will readily explore new feeders in your yard.

For housing, chickadees prefer small, enclosed birdhouses with a 1 1/8-inch entrance hole. Place the birdhouse in a quiet, shaded area about 5 to 15 feet off the ground. They often use nest boxes, tree cavities, or dense shrubs for nesting. Providing a suitable birdhouse, readily available nesting material and food will encourage these charming birds to become regular visitors.  Make sure the opening to the nest box is facing away from prevailing winds.