Tufted Titmouse

songbird · eastern North America · crested

Fancy feathered crest. The tufted titmouse has a pointy tuft of feathers on top of its head that sticks straight up, giving it a dapper, dressed-up appearance.

Part of a big family. This bird belongs to the Paridae family, which also includes chickadees and other small songbirds that often visit backyard feeders.

Eastern homes. Tufted titmice live in eastern North America, making their nests and singing songs in forests, woodlands, and gardens across the region.

Sweet singer. The tufted titmouse is a songbird, meaning it sings cheerful melodies to communicate with other birds and claim its territory.

Split into species. The black-crested titmouse, which used to be considered just a variety of the tufted titmouse, is now recognized as its own separate species found in Texas and beyond.