There are six species of Chickadees commonly seen in the United States and Canada.  They all have dark caps and bibs, with white cheeks.  Typically they all have dark backs with light under parts and they are all similar in shape and size.  The physical differences between some species are very subtle, and it takes their song to distinguish them.  Chestnut-backed Chickadees are mostly seen on the West coast from central California to the southern parts of Alaska, and have a reddish-brown back.  The Carolina Chickadees are found in the southeast and south central states.  Mountain Chickadees live throughout the mountains in the western states and is the only Chickadee with a thin white line over the eye.  Black-capped Chickadees live from coast to coast in the northern states and southern Canada.  Mexican Chickadees found in southeastern Arizona, parts of southwestern New Mexico and the central mountainous parts of Mexico, and has a long bib and gray flanks.  And the Boreal Chickadees live from coast to coast in Canada and in parts of Alaska, and have a brown cap.

Chickadees will often use nesting boxes.  Try filling the bottom of the nesting box with sawdust or wood shavings.  They wouldn't use the shavings for nesting, but the sawdust lining will convince them that the nesting box is fresh and available.  Chickadees also prefer an unobstructed path to the entrance hole.  Remove any branches or leaves that may be in the way.  Try putting the nesting box away from other trees and branches; this will help keep squirrels and mice from getting into the box and eating the eggs and nestlings.  Females select the nesting site, usually in a hollowed out cavity, typically in rotten branches dead snags in alder or birch trees.  Both the male and the female will hollow out the cavity, usually about 8 inches deep. Then the female will build a cup shaped nest using moss and other sturdy material for the shell, and lining it with softer material such as animal hair.

Chickadees nearly always sleep individually in their own roosting cavities, even when temperatures are far below zero.  Like hummingbirds on cold nights Chickadees go into a torpor state that lowers their body temperature, which enables them to conserve energy. 

Typically Chickadees breed only once a year.  Sometimes if the first brood is lost then they will breed a second time.  They first breed at one year of age. Chickadees produce 6-8 eggs in a clutch. Their eggs are white with small reddish brown dots.  The eggs are tiny, averaging 0.6 in long x 0.5 in. wide.  The female is the only one who sits on the eggs and the incubation period is 11-14 days.  During that time the male feeds the female.  When the hatchlings are born their eyes are closed, and are naked accept for a few small patches of gray downy feathers on the head and back.  The nestlings are then fed by both the male and the female birds.  After hatching the young stay in the nest 12-16 days, but will continue to be fed by the parents for several weeks, until they are able to support themselves on their own.

Bird watching is a delight.  They are fun to watch, and by placing a birdbath and a bird feeder in your yard will not only be entertainment for you, but it is helpful for the birds also.  Especially in the winter months when food and water are harder to find.  Chickadees are friendly and easy to attract with bird feeders and nesting boxes.