Chestnut-backed chickadees are one of the most common species of bird in conifer forests of western Oregon. They are distinguished from other chickadees by their chestnut-colored back, lack of an eye-line, and their wheezy song.

Like other chickadees, they are frequently observed performing acrobatic maneuvers such as hanging from branch tips while foraging high in the canopy.

They also frequent bird feeders for suet and sunflower seeds, and will nest in boxes if they are placed near groves of conifers.

Hear the call of the Chestnut-backed chickadee

Photo by Kathy Munsel, ODFW