In the first image, a Carolina Chickadee, Poecile carolinensis, is perched upon an empty native pecan hull. These birds reside in Texas from the Panhandle all the way to the Gulf coast. They are one of the smallest birds found in the state. Their family is Paridae which contains the tits, and titmice as well the chickadees.

Unlike most birds, males and females of the Chickadees are similar in coloration. The one shown above is singing and is probably a male. The black crown and throat region coupled with their white cheeks make these little gray birds easily distinguishable.

Their tiny size and needle like beak help these birds hunt insects, berries, and seeds in the shrubs and forests where they live. They get their name from the chick-a dee dee dee sound they make as they go about their busy days.

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