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October 9, 2008
Black-capped Chickadees form flocks of four to twelve birds outside of the breeding season. Mated pairs remain with the flock permanently, but young unmated birds move away and join another flock. Each flock has a heirarchy: the most aggressive bird dominates the rest and all the others fall into a decreasing pecking order. Dominant birds have an advantage in feeding, roosting, nesting and other activities. A flock occupies a territory covering 24 acres or more. The birds often follow the same routes as they travel through it. They normally don’t migrate outside their normal range, but young birds may move south together in the fall.
Flocks roost together in dense evergreen trees, often returning to the same tree each night. Birds may also roost individually in cavities in trees or bird houses. Birdhouses are unlikely to be occupied by a chickadee if the flock has an established roosting place. Roosting chickadees fluff out their feathers to conserve heat, and their body temperature drops significantly to save energy. Even when pairs have broken away for nesting, the flock may still roost together, especially on cold nights.
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