Chestnut-backed Chickadee Study, April-May 1997

The Chestnut-backed Chickadee is found along the Pacific Coast of North America between northern California and southern Alaska, with its preferred habitat being mature coniferous forests. Very little is known about this tiny relative of the more common Black-capped Chickadee. Its mating habits, which sex builds the nest, how long the eggs are incubated, and how long the young are in the nest are all unknown. This study seeks answers to these questions.

During the spring of 1996, a pair of Chestnut-backed Chickadees successfully nested in my yard. As a result, I began planning a study project should they return again in 1997. When a pair was observed selecting a box on 4/5/97, I immediately went to work.

A fist-sized black & white video camera was mounted inside a small compartment on the top of an alternate nest box lid. Since nest construction had already begun, it was necessary to wait until the pair was away feeding to switch the tops. Upon return they noticed the difference, but did not seem to mind.

A redundant set of four tiny Christmas tree lights were installed under the box lid to provide enough light for the video camera during periods of dim sunlight and for illuminating the box at night to determine if the female and/or male were roosting inside. The black cable on the left side of the box powered the camera via the remote monitor, and provided power to the lighting system which was controlled by a wall switch in the living room.

The video cable ran from the trees, through the air, and into my bedroom window. The power cable for the lights ran underground.

From the foot of the bed one could observe the nest box through the second story window. Sitting on the floor was a video monitor for observation of the inside of the nest box, as well as a video recorder. The remote camera was equipped with a microphone for capturing sounds around the box. Picture and sound were recorded continuously during daylight hours. A hand-held camcorder was used for recording activities outside the box, and a written log book was also kept.

The female Chestnut-backed Chickadee is seen entering the box with a bill full of animal fur for lining the top of the nest. The dark line across the video image is a result of the monitor scan rate and the shutter speed of the camera I used to photograph the monitor.

With the fur in place, the breast is used to press the nesting material into a bowl shape.

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