A chickadee is a small, energetic bird found across North America, named for its distinctive call that sounds like “chick-a-dee-dee-dee.” These curious little birds have black caps on their heads, white cheeks, and gray backs. They're only about as long as your finger, but they're bold and friendly, often approaching people in parks or backyards.

Chickadees are remarkably tough despite their tiny size. They survive harsh winters by remembering thousands of hiding spots where they've stashed seeds, and they can lower their body temperature at night to conserve energy. Watch a chickadee at a bird feeder and you'll see it grab a seed, fly to a nearby branch, hold the seed with its feet, and hammer it open with its beak.

These birds are year-round residents in most places they live, meaning they don't migrate south for winter like many other birds. Their cheerful calls and acrobatic movements make them favorites among birdwatchers. If you stay still and patient in the woods, a chickadee might land just a few feet away to investigate you, cocking its head as if it's asking what you're doing there.