Tufted Titmice Singing
Winter must be on the wane, as a tufted titmouse was recently singing its fast-repeated, clear whistle song, “Peter—Peter—Peter,” in nearby woods. Male titmice repeat this phrase over and over, up to 11 times in succession. Occasionally females sing a softer version of this song. The calls of tufted titmice, on the other hand, are very nasal and mechanical-sounding. Songs are typically more musical and complex than calls, and are often sung only by males during the breeding season, to attract a mate and claim territory. Calls, on the other hand, have many purposes – there are calls for aggression, warning, identification, flocking, hunger and to announce a food source, among others.
Yes…I’m ready!!
February 19, 2013 at 3:02 pm
THanks so much for this post. I’ve heard the songs for the last three days and simply could not find the soloist – and was too lazy to listen to my cd’s of bird song to identify him. Cheers Cordie
February 19, 2013 at 3:15 pm
Dear Mary, Your wildlife blog gives me so much pleasure I thought I would share a favorite tufted titmouse story. Years ago, my then teenage son gazed out ot the kitchen window at one of the little guys at the feeder and asked, “Mom, what do you call the ones with the sweat stains?”
February 19, 2013 at 3:34 pm
Too much!
February 19, 2013 at 5:38 pm
I’ve heard the songs here too, in NH. One of my favorite little birds! And so wonderful to hear it’s song along with the songs of the chickadees. Spring is a coming!!
February 19, 2013 at 3:42 pm
Nice tufts!
February 19, 2013 at 4:25 pm