Eastern Tufted Titmice

If you live in the eastern half of the United States, you may have heard a cheerful whistled "peter-peter-peter" song coming from the trees. This is the voice of the tufted titmouse, a small gray bird with a black forehead and a pointed crest. 

Tufted titmice are common and widespread in deciduous and mixed forests, where they feed on seeds, nuts, insects, and berries. They are also frequent visitors to backyard feeders, where they may stash food for later use.

Tufted titmice are closely related to chickadees and often form mixed flocks with them in winter. They are active and curious birds, sometimes showing interest in humans and their activities. 

They are also known for their acrobatic skills, hanging upside down or sideways from branches or feeders. They can even hold the food with their feet and hammer it open with their bills.

Tufted titmice are monogamous and territorial birds. They nest in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes, which they line with soft materials such as fur, moss, or cotton. The female lays five to eight eggs and incubates them for about two weeks. The male brings food to the female and helps feed the young after they hatch. The young leave the nest after 15 to 20 days and stay with their parents for another month.

Tufted titmice are not migratory, but they have expanded their range northward in recent years, possibly due to climate change or increased availability of food and nest sites. They are not considered threatened or endangered, but they may face threats from habitat loss, predation, disease, or competition from invasive species. You can help tufted titmice by providing them with natural food sources, nest boxes, and water sources in your backyard or garden.

Tufted titmice are charming and charismatic birds that brighten up any forest or feeder. They are easy to identify by their crest, black forehead, and distinctive song. Next time you hear a "peter-peter-peter" call, look up and enjoy the sight of these crested songbirds.