Watercolor portrait of Black-crested Titmouse (Baeolophus atricristatus)

Black-crested Titmouse

Baeolophus atricristatus
This is a year-round resident across its… Look for it in oak woods, mesquite scrub… Common Clear whistled song

Learn to identify the Black-crested Titmouse by ear. Master the "peter, peter, peter" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“peter, peter, peter”

What the Black-crested Titmouse sounds like

A lively little songbird with a spiky black crest, big dark eyes, and a curious expression. It bounces through branches in short hops, often pausing to peer at you before giving a scratchy scold or a bright whistle.

“peter, peter, peter”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A series of bright, pure whistles, often repeated from an exposed perch. It sounds cheerful and ringing, with each note clean and easy to pick out. Often written as “peter, peter, peter”.
Don't confuse with:The Tufted Titmouse — tufted titmouse has a gray crest, not a solid black one.

Where you'll hear it

Look for it in oak woods, mesquite scrub, streamside groves, and leafy neighborhoods in south-central Texas and nearby Mexico. It likes trees with tangled cover and shows up readily at backyard feeders.

Spring is the noisiest time, when pairs whistle from exposed perches and defend nest sites in cavities. In fall and winter, they travel in small family groups and often join mixed feeding flocks.

Similar species

Tufted Titmouse

Tufted Titmouse has a gray crest, not a solid black one.

Oak Titmouse

Oak Titmouse is plainer and browner overall.

Bridled Titmouse

Bridled Titmouse has a striking black-and-white face pattern.

Black-crested Titmouse song FAQ

What does a Black-crested Titmouse sound like?
A series of bright, pure whistles, often repeated from an exposed perch. It sounds cheerful and ringing, with each note clean and easy to pick out. Listen for the "peter, peter, peter" phrase.
How do I tell a Black-crested Titmouse from a Tufted Titmouse by sound?
Tufted Titmouse: Tufted Titmouse has a gray crest, not a solid black one.; It usually looks a bit paler-faced with a cleaner white forehead area.; In central Texas, the two can hybridize, so some birds show mixed features..
When is the best time to hear a Black-crested Titmouse?
Spring is the noisiest time, when pairs whistle from exposed perches and defend nest sites in cavities. In fall and winter, they travel in small family groups and often join mixed feeding flocks.