Bushtit - Psaltriparus minimus

Habitat

The bushtit is found in open deciduous and mixed forest areas. It is also found in suburban areas. It is a very social bird and travels in flocks of up to 60 birds during the non-breeding season.

Diet

Bushtits feed in flocks and move quickly through vegetation looking for insects and spiders. They often hang upside down as they pick their prey from the undersides of leaves. They call out with soft chirps to each other as they forage for food.

Life Cycle

During the breeding season, bushtits form pairs and establish nesting territories. Their nests are up to a foot long and are pendulum-shaped. The nests have an opening in the top and hang from the branches of a tree or shrub. The nests are made of grass, twigs, leaves, moss, lichen, and various plant parts woven together with spider webs. The female lays 4-10 eggs, and both the parents incubate the eggs for 12-13 days. Both parents care for and feed the chicks. The chicks fledge when they are about 18 days old.

Behavior

Bushtit nests are often decorated with flowers, feathers, and lichen!