chickadee

/chik"euh dee'/, n.

any of several North American birds of the genus Parus, of the titmouse family, esp. P. atricapillus (black-capped chickadee), having the throat and top of the head black.

[1820-30; imit.]

* * *

Any of several North American songbird species in the genus Parus (family Paridae), whose name imitates their call notes.

They are friendly and easily attracted to feeders. The black-capped chickadee (P. atricapillus), found across North America, is 5 in. (13 cm) long and has a dark cap and bib. Old World members of the genus and some New World members are called tits or titmice.

Black-capped chickadee (Parus atricapillus)

William D. Griffin

* * *

▪ bird

 any of seven North American bird species of the genus Parus, of the family Paridae (order Passeriformes). The name imitates their call notes. Old World members of the genus are called tits, or titmice. Found across North America is the black-capped chickadee (P. atricapillus), 13 cm (5 inches) long, with dark cap and bib. See also tit (titmouse).

* * *