Chestnut-backed Chickadee vs Boreal Chickadee

In short

The Chestnut-backed Chickadee and Boreal Chickadee are both small, brown-capped chickadees, but they can be distinguished by habitat and plumage. The Chestnut-backed Chickadee has a distinctive chestnut back and sides, while the Boreal Chickadee has a more uniformly brown appearance. Habitat is a key differentiator: Chestnut-backed Chickadees are found in coastal coniferous forests, whereas Boreal Chickadees inhabit boreal forests.

Identification tips

1. Look for chestnut coloration on the back and sides for Chestnut-backed Chickadee. 2. Check habitat: coastal areas suggest Chestnut-backed, while boreal forests suggest Boreal. 3. Listen for calls: a robust 'chick-a-dee' call indicates Chestnut-backed. 4. Observe behavior: food caching is more typical of Boreal Chickadees.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of small chickadees.

Plumage

The Chestnut-backed Chickadee has a chestnut-colored back and sides, contrasting with its grayish wings and tail. In contrast, the Boreal Chickadee is more uniformly brown with a slightly grayer head and back, lacking the pronounced chestnut coloration.

Behaviour

Both species forage in mixed-species flocks during winter and are cavity nesters. The Chestnut-backed Chickadee often forages on Douglas firs, while the Boreal Chickadee stores food for winter.

Habitat

Chestnut-backed Chickadees are typically found in humid coastal coniferous forests of the Pacific Northwest, while Boreal Chickadees are restricted to the boreal forests of Canada and adjacent northern U.S. regions.

Voice

Both species lack a whistled song, but the Chestnut-backed Chickadee has a more robust 'chick-a-dee' call. The Boreal Chickadee's vocalizations are less studied, but they are known to be similar to other chickadees in their group.