Bushtit

Male
Female

Year-round

Size
4.5"
Listen
Plumage / Description

Males and females have similar plumage but can be distinguished by the color of their iris males is dark, females' is light colored. Overall plumage color is a darker gray on top, and a paler gray (almost ash-colored) on the underside. A very non-descript bird plumage-wise, but size and flocking behavior are diagnostic

Habitat

Most abundant in both Oak/Chaparral and Pinyon/Juniper Habitat, but are also common in both riparian areas as well as Ponderosa Pine forests where they overlap with oaks.

Relative Abundance

Common

Behavior

A tiny restless bird that rarely sits still. A very busy foliage gleaner. Form large flocks in winter, and will join in with mixed species flocks as well. During breeding season they pair up.

Diet

Insects, suet.

Similar Species

Juniper Titmouse.

Best Sites

Residential neighborhoods, Willow Lake (Heritage) Park, Pioneer Park, Acker Park.