The tit family of birds, Paridae, has twelve species in two genera that are found in different parts of the United States. Often considered tits, two other birds, the Verdin and the Bushtit, are closely related to the twelve true tits. All fourteen birds are non-migratory. Following are descriptions of these birds, separated by their genera and family.
Small Tits of America in the Genus Poecile (Chickadees) in Paridae
There are seven species of chickadees that are found in the United States, from Northern Alaska, to the arid Southwest. The Black-capped, Boreal, Carolina, Chestnut-backed, Gray-headed, Mexican, and Mountain Chickadees are scattered across North America, but they all have similar habits and morphology. All chickadees have dark caps and bibs (throat areas), all measure between 4.75 and 5.5 inches, all have similar calls, all nest in cavities, and all of them feed mainly on seeds and small insects.
Largest Tits in America, Genus Baeolophus (Titmice) in Paridae
More southerly than chickadees, but also fairly widespread, the five species of titmice of the genus Baeolophus are all native to the United States and Mexico. The Black-crested, Bridled, Juniper, Oak, and Tufted Titmice can be distinguished from other birds, but they are all fairly similar in appearance themselves. All of them are mainly gray in color, have noticeable crests, measure between 5.25 and 6.5 inches in length, feed on insects, seeds, and berries, and nest in cavities.
Verdin (Genus Auriparus, Family Remizidae), One of the Smallest Tits in North America
The Verdin is one of the smallest tits in the world, measuring about 4.5 inches in length on average. It has a yellow head, reddish mark on the shoulder, and a light gray body. The only member of its family in the New World, this bird is found in the Southwestern U.S. and in most of Northern Mexico. Its manners are similar to those of chickadees, but during breeding season, the Verdin constructs a circular nest of twigs.
Bushtit (Genus Psaltriparus, Family Aigithalidae)
The Bushtit, also only 4.5 inches in length, is a small, grayish bird that is found from Southern British Columbia to Guatemala, occupying much of the West and Southwest, and the Sierra Madre Occidental of Mexico. It varies in plumage, depending on location, as it is a year round resident throughout its entire range, and does not migrate. This bird has a very short bill, and males have dark eyes, while females have light-colored eyes. Bushtits feed mainly on insects, and they build hanging nests..
All of these birds are small-bodied perching birds that have similar habits. Certain species can be found in different parts of the United States, with the greatest diversity found in the Southwest.
Thomas Wyatt - Tom Wyatt grew up in Virginia. He has been interested in the outdoors (fishing, birding, camping, and other such activities) since he was ...
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