Mountain Chickadee vs Chestnut-backed Chickadee

The Mountain Chickadee and Chestnut-backed Chickadee can be distinguished by their plumage and habitat preferences. The Mountain Chickadee features a distinctive white eyebrow, while the Chestnut-backed Chickadee has a rich chestnut back and lacks the eyebrow. Both species are found in different habitats, with the Mountain Chickadee favoring drier, mountainous regions and the Chestnut-backed Chickadee inhabiting humid coastal forests.

Look for the white eyebrow on the Mountain Chickadee, which is absent in the Chestnut-backed Chickadee. Note the chestnut back of the Chestnut-backed Chickadee, a key distinguishing feature.

The Mountain Chickadee has a black cap and bib with a white face and a prominent white eyebrow stripe. In contrast, the Chestnut-backed Chickadee has a black cap and bib but is characterized by its chestnut-colored back and flanks, lacking the white eyebrow.

Mountain Chickadees are typically found in drier, mountainous regions, while Chestnut-backed Chickadees prefer the humid coastal forests of the Pacific Northwest.