Measuring just six inches, the tufted titmouse is the smallest crested bird in the eastern U.S. This year-round resident has gray upper parts, rusty flanks, and bright black eyes. In the winter, flocks of titmice consist of family groups. By early spring, flocks disperse into pairs or solitary birds, and males sing incessantly and chase females. As nesting begins, the birds fall silent and are tougher to detect.

back to Nature Notebook