Tufted Titmouse - Ross Feldner This active little bird is a regular at backyard bird feeders, especially during winter. Known for their echoing voice, bright black eyes and perky crest, the Tufted Titmouse is common in deciduous forests and at backyard feeders. They are cavity nesters but can’t excavate their own cavities so they rely on natural holes and cavities left by woodpeckers. Pairs stay together all year but when winter arrives they will join small flocks which break up in late winter. The Tufted Titmouse forages among branches of trees often hanging upside down or dropping to the ground for food. They will open seeds and acorns by holding them with their feet and pounding them with their stout little bill. Their name comes from the Old English words tit and mase which means “small bird.” Mase became obsolete and changed into the more familiar word mouse. | |
