Even if you’re not a birdwatcher, you’re probably familiar with the distinctive “dee-da, dee-da, dee-da” call of the tufted titmouse. Closely related to the Carolina chickadees that are beginning to move south into Hillsborough County, the titmice are tiny birds with huge voices commonly heard across most of the eastern US, including the Tampa Bay region.
They use their chirps to communicate with each other as well as a wide variety of other birds that hang out with them during fall and winter months when they’re not nesting. “They vary their sound loudness if there’s a predator like a hawk or an owl nearby,” said Ann Paul, president of the Florida Ornithological Society. “They’re so alert that they’re often at the center of a foraging flock because the other birds can count on them to find a safe spot. If you see titmice, look carefully because you may be able to see warblers and vireos too.”
The “tuft” on the titmouse — much like a cardinal’s brushy crest – makes the small bird stand out, even in a large crowd. They’re regulars at backyard feeders where they prefer sunflowers. But rather than eat the seed where they find it, they fly off to a nearby bush, hold the seed in their feet and crack it open in privacy. “They’re one of the few perching birds that can use their feet to hold seeds while they break them open,” Paul said.
They mostly build their nests in tree cavities, so they’re more likely to use bird boxes than other species. “If you get one, be careful to use a guard underneath the box to keep predators from raiding their eggs and young,” Paul cautions.
Creature Feature is an occasional feature on the wildlife found in Florida, including frequently seen but not always appreciated animals, as well as the charismatic critters that make our state such a special place for all of us to live. Write editor@baysoundings.com to nominate an animal for an upcoming article.
Originally published Feb. 3, 2025