  
Black-capped Chickadees inhabit
the northern two-thirds of the United States and much of Canada.
They winter throughout their range and do not exhibit any formal,
large-scale migration patterns. Occasionally, there are sudden
movements, or irruptions, of young birds in the fall and early
winter. Black-capped Chickadees prefer mixed deciduous and
coniferous forests. They are found both at forest edges and deep
within forests. They are also common in rural and suburban areas
containing scattered trees, such as old fields, thickets, and
parks. Generally, the breeding season begins in early April in
the southern portion of the range and in early May in the
northern portion. Black-capped Chickadee houses should be placed
in habitats receiving 40-60% sunlight such as forests, woodlots,
and yards with mature hardwood trees, forest edges or meadows.
Black-capped Chickadee houses should be mounted 5 to 15 feet high
and spaced one per 10 acres with the entrance hole facing away
from prevailing wind. 1 inch of wood shavings can be placed in
the house.
The Carolina Chickadee inhabits the southeastern United States,
breeding in open deciduous and mixed deciduous-coniferous
forests. It is also found in rural woodlands, cultivated areas
with scattered trees, swamps, thickets, suburban parks, and
residential areas. Although the nesting behavior of the Carolina
Chickadee is very similar to that of the Black-capped Chickadee,
Carolina Chickadees tend to rely less on the presence of natural
cavities and old woodpecker holes than its northern relative.
Rather, it excavates its own cavities in snags, rotting tree
trunks, and limbs for nesting purposes. This species also
occasionally nests in nest boxes, but not as frequently as the
Black-capped Chickadee. Carolina Chickadee houses should be
placed in habitats receiving 40-60% sunlight such as forests,
woodlots, and yards with mature hardwood trees, forest edges or
meadows. Carolina Chickadee houses should be mounted 5 to 15 feet
high with the entrance hole facing away from prevailing wind. 1
inch of wood shavings can be placed in the house.
Mountain Chickadees are found in the western United States and
Canada. They breed at high elevations (5,000 to 11,000 feet) in
coniferous and mixed coniferous-deciduous forests. It is a
residential species, but some individuals move to lower
elevations in the winter. Mountain Chickadees only excavate nests
if other sites are unavailable. This species more readily nests
in snags, natural cavities, abandoned woodpecker holes, banks and
holes in the ground, under rocks, and in nest boxes. Their nests
tend to be low to the ground. Mountain Chickadee houses should be
placed in coniferous forests, forest edges and woodland
clearings. Mountain Chickadee houses should be mounted 5 to 15
feet high with the entrance hole facing away from prevailing
wind. 1 inch of wood shavings can be placed in the house.
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