Watercolor portrait of Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus
Year-round resident Common in any habitat with trees or wood… Common Resident 2 sounds

Learn to identify the Black-capped Chickadee by ear. Master the "chick-a-dee-dee-dee — and a clear, whistled fee-bee" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“Fee-bee fee-bay”

What the Black-capped Chickadee sounds like

A tiny, active songbird with a large round head, short neck, and relatively long tail. Easily recognized by its black cap and bib, stark white cheeks, soft gray back, and light buffy flanks. The body is small and compact, with a short, stout bill. Often seen in flocks, it is inquisitive and acrobatic, frequently hanging upside down on twigs.

“chick-a-dee-dee-dee — and a clear, whistled fee-bee”

  • Call:

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A clear, whistled two-note phrase, often rendered as "fee-bee" (or "hey, sweetie" in some mnemonic). The first note is high-pitched and the second is about a minor third lower, giving a forlorn, whistled sound. Males sing this in late winter and spring to advertise territory. Often written as “Fee-bee fee-bay”.
Don't confuse with:The Carolina Chickadee — carolina chickadee is very similar but tends to have less buff on the sides and is slightly smaller. in areas where both occur, identification often relies on voice.

Lessons featuring the Black-capped Chickadee

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Black-capped Chickadee's sounds in these interactive in-app lessons.

Backyard Day Shift lesson habitat
Backyard Day Shift
Tier 1 · Right Out the Door
Tiny Forest Talkers lesson habitat
Tiny Forest Talkers
Tier 12 · By Pitch and Pace
Start Learning Free

Where you'll hear it

Common in any habitat with trees or woody shrubs across its range. Found in deciduous and mixed forests, forest edges, groves, and also frequenting suburban yards, city parks, and orchards. Prefers areas with some cover; absent in open plains or high treeless alpine zones.

Forms winter flocks typically from late summer through early spring. These flocks (6-10 birds) often include other small birds (nuthatches, kinglets, downy woodpeckers, warblers) that associate with chickadees to find food and heed their alarm calls. In late winter, increasing daylight triggers males to start singing their fee-bee song.

Similar species

Carolina Chickadee

Carolina Chickadee is very similar but tends to have less buff on the sides and is slightly smaller. In areas where both occur, identification often relies on voice.

Black-capped Chickadee song FAQ

What does a Black-capped Chickadee sound like?
A clear, whistled two-note phrase, often rendered as "fee-bee" (or "hey, sweetie" in some mnemonic). The first note is high-pitched and the second is about a minor third lower, giving a forlorn, whistled sound. Males sing this in late winter and spring to advertise territory. Listen for the "chick-a-dee-dee-dee — and a clear, whistled fee-bee" phrase.
How do I tell a Black-capped Chickadee from a Carolina Chickadee by sound?
Carolina Chickadee: Carolina Chickadee is very similar but tends to have less buff on the sides and is slightly smaller. In areas where both occur, identification often relies on voice.; Mountain Chickadee has a white eyebrow stripe that Black-capped lacks. Boreal Chickadee has a brown cap and fuzzy gray-brown overall look..
When is the best time to hear a Black-capped Chickadee?
Forms winter flocks typically from late summer through early spring. These flocks (6-10 birds) often include other small birds (nuthatches, kinglets, downy woodpeckers, warblers) that associate with chickadees to find food and heed their alarm calls. In late winter, increasing daylight triggers males to start singing their fee-bee song.