Chickadee’s Spring Song

Many of us know the song of the chickdee: “Chick-a-dee-dee-dee. Chick-a-dee-dee-dee” But did you know that chickadees also have one of the most recognizable songs to get us ready for spring?

Male chickadees start their spring song when there’s still snow on the ground, but they have their minds set on the spring mating season. Listen for the two-tone whistle ringing on a cold winter morning. “Spring’s here!” it seems to say.

Chickadees use this song to set up their territorial boundaries for their nesting sites. It’s fun to mimic their calls to see if you can attract one closer to you.

As our snow melts, the days lengthen and we spend more time outdoors, listen for the “Spring’s here!” call of the chickadee.

Pair this experience with the book That Chickadee Feeling by Frank Grew. It’s a great tale about getting up close and personal with chickadees in your neighborhood!