Watercolor portrait of Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor
Year-round resident in the Eastern and S… Eastern deciduous forests, groves, and w… Common Song

Learn to identify the Tufted Titmouse by ear. Master the "peter peter peter" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“peter-peter-peter!”

What the Tufted Titmouse sounds like

A small gray songbird with a prominent tufted crest on its head. It has large black eyes, a black forehead patch above its short stubby bill, and rusty-orange flanks on its pale belly. It often gives an impression of curiosity with its big eyes and jaunty crest.

“peter peter peter”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A loud, clear whistle consisting of a repeated phrase usually given in 2-3 notes: "peter-peter-peter." This ringing whistle carries far through the woods. The song is often repeated many times (up to 10-11 times rapidly) by the male, especially in early spring as breeding begins. Often written as “peter-peter-peter!”.
Don't confuse with:The Black-crested Titmouse — occurs in texas and southwest (formerly considered a tufted titmouse subspecies). has an all-black crest and a pale whitish forehead, compared to tufted's gray crest with black forehead patch.

Lessons featuring the Tufted Titmouse

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Tufted Titmouse'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

Eastern deciduous forests, groves, and well-wooded suburbs. Common in oak and mixed woodlands, parks, and backyard shade trees. They favor areas with mature trees (for nesting cavities) and can often be found in the company of chickadees and nuthatches in wooded habitats.

Pairs stay on the same territory throughout the year. In spring, they begin nesting relatively early (often using abandoned woodpecker holes or nest boxes). During summer, they raise their brood (usually 5–6 eggs) and the young fledge by early summer. In fall, they actively store food – hiding seeds to help survive winter. In winter, titmice join mixed-species foraging flocks with chickadees, often seen flitting through bare woods in small groups.

Similar species

Black-crested Titmouse

Occurs in Texas and southwest (formerly considered a Tufted Titmouse subspecies). Has an all-black crest and a pale whitish forehead, compared to Tufted's gray crest with black forehead patch.

Carolina Chickadee

Much smaller (chickadee is 4-5 inches) and no crest. Chickadees have a bold black cap and bib with white cheeks, versus the titmouse's gray crest and orangey flanks.

Tufted Titmouse song FAQ

What does a Tufted Titmouse sound like?
A loud, clear whistle consisting of a repeated phrase usually given in 2-3 notes: "peter-peter-peter." This ringing whistle carries far through the woods. The song is often repeated many times (up to 10-11 times rapidly) by the male, especially in early spring as breeding begins. Listen for the "peter peter peter" phrase.
How do I tell a Tufted Titmouse from a Black-crested Titmouse by sound?
Black-crested Titmouse: Occurs in Texas and southwest (formerly considered a Tufted Titmouse subspecies). Has an all-black crest and a pale whitish forehead, compared to Tufted's gray crest with black forehead patch.; Voice differs subtly; otherwise very similar in size and habits. Range is the key: Black-crested in central Texas westward, Tufted in eastern Texas and eastward (they hybridize only in a narrow zone)..
When is the best time to hear a Tufted Titmouse?
Pairs stay on the same territory throughout the year. In spring, they begin nesting relatively early (often using abandoned woodpecker holes or nest boxes). During summer, they raise their brood (usually 5–6 eggs) and the young fledge by early summer. In fall, they actively store food – hiding seeds to help survive winter. In winter, titmice join mixed-species foraging flocks with chickadees, often seen flitting through bare woods in small groups.