What does the Chestnut-backed Chickadee eat?

The Chestnut-backed Chickadee's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Omnivore, primarily insectivorous during breeding season, shifting to seeds, berries, and suet in winter.

How it forages

Forages actively and acrobatically among foliage, twigs, and bark, often hanging upside down. Primarily gleans insects and spiders from vegetation. Also consumes seeds, especially conifer seeds, and berries. Known to cache food items for later retrieval, particularly seeds. Readily visits bird feeders for suet and seeds.

When it feeds

Diurnal, active from dawn to dusk.

Explore the Chestnut-backed Chickadee