TITMICE
TALES
by Kevin & Linda Pillow
The Black-crested Titmouse is a very familiar “usual suspect”
at our feeder stations in the Hill Country. Often found in the western part of Texas and Mexico it should not be confused with the Tufted Titmouse whose range is further east of us. While they are similar and often hybridize, they are distinct genetically and vocally. Their mitochondrial DNA suggests they diverged about 250,000 years ago.
KERRVILLE FRAMING custom picture framing
410-b Main St • Kerrville • 895 - 2006
Your Treasure, Our Expertise
With their jaunty crest and big button eyes, they are a backyard favorite. They are highly intelligent and like the Carolina Chickadee, will eat right out of your hand. Our cedar breaks on the Edwards Plateau are their favorite place to hang out where they glean spiders, insects and berries. They also eagerly feast on seeds at backyard bird feeders. They love black oil sunflower, safflower, peanuts, suet and live mealworms. Like the Carolina Chickadee they take one seed and go off to crack it open or bury it in the dirt.
They like to nest in old Woodpecker holes, but will readily go to nest boxes. They tend to prefer a Bluebird house to nest in. While courting the male will feed the female—a dinner date! Typically they will have 2 broods starting in late March with 4-7 eggs each time. The fledglings will not have their black crest yet and look just like a Tufted Titmouse. Titmice fledglings are extremely playful and will chase each other around like kittens. They definitely get the “ahhh” factor.
If there is a predator in the area, be it a snake or hawk, it generally will be the Titmouse that lets everyone know. They really raise a fuss and will attract other birds to see what all the commotion is. Once everyone is gathered around making noise, the predator usually leaves.
The Black-crested Titmouse is a delightful creature to have grace your feeders. Attract them with some good seed and enjoy.
shadowbox showcasing the medals of the united states military
Creative Design • Quality Craftsmanship 34│ May-June 2014 │ KCP
Happy Birding! Kevin & Linda Pillow are the proud owners of Wilds Birds Unlimited Nature Shop located at 855 Junction Hwy in Kerrville. Each staff member is a Certified Bird Feeding Specialist and can help you discover a refuge in your own backyard. 830-895-7393.