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Tufted Titmouse
Scientific Name: Parus bicolor
Family Name: Paridae
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This largest North American titmouse is common in deciduous woodlands of the Southeast, especially along streams. Told from chickadees (with which it usually associates) by the crest, the larger size, and the lack of a black bib. Usually found in flocks of 3 - 8 birds. No other titmouse occurs east of Texas. Visits feeding stations near woods. Whistled song is 2 notes (or one slurred one) repeated 2 to 4 times, 14 - 22 per minute. Other calls are ckickadee-like but distinctive. The Black-crested race (formerly considered a separate species) is easily recognized. It is common in deciduous woodlands, scrub oaks, and shade trees in Texas and northeastern Mexico. Adults with the black crest are unmistakable. Young Black-cresteds are told from typical Tufteds by the whittish rather than gray forehead, and from Plain Titmice by the rusty tinge on the flanks. Songs and calls of the Black-crested race are like those of other Tufted Titmice. [Robbins, Chandler S.; Bruun, Bertel and Zim, Herbert S., A Guide to Field Identification Birds of North America, Golden Press, New York, 1983]