What Can I Feed Black-capped Chickadees?

Black-capped Chickadees are delightful little birds that can bring joy to any backyard. If you’re interested in attracting these feathered friends to your feeder, it’s important to know what kinds of foods they enjoy.

One favorite food of Black-capped Chickadees is suet. Suet cakes or blocks can be easily found at most bird supply stores and provide a high-energy source of nutrition for these active birds.

In addition to suet, Black-capped Chickadees also have a strong preference for peanuts. Whether whole peanuts or peanut pieces, offering these nuts can entice these birds to visit your feeder regularly.

Another great option for feeding Black-capped Chickadees is peanut butter. Smearing a bit of peanut butter onto a sturdy branch or feeder can attract these birds, who will eagerly peck at the spread.

Black oil sunflower seeds are another popular choice for feeding Black-capped Chickadees. These small seeds are packed with nutrition and are sure to please these tiny birds.

If you really want to spoil your Black-capped Chickadee visitors, consider offering hulled sunflower seeds. These seeds are free of shells, making it easier for the birds to access the tasty kernels inside.

One interesting behavior to note about Black-capped Chickadees is their potential for becoming tame enough to be handfed. With patience and consistency, you may be able to build a trusting relationship with these birds.

It’s also worth observing the feeding hierarchy within a flock of Black-capped Chickadees. Dominant members will often feed first, while others will wait their turn. Each bird typically grabs a single seed before flying off to enjoy it in peace.

By providing a variety of food options, including suet, peanuts, peanut butter, black oil sunflower seeds, and hulled sunflower seeds, you can create a welcoming environment for Black-capped Chickadees in your backyard.

Remember to keep your feeders clean and filled regularly to ensure a steady food source for these charming birds. With a little effort and the right offerings, you can enjoy the company of Black-capped Chickadees year-round.

Photo of author

Don Atkins

Don Atkins is a proud Canadian and experienced biology teacher living in Toronto. With a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Saskatchewan under his belt, Don has 10 years of teaching experience and is passionate about sharing his knowledge with others. He also volunteers at the Northeastern Avian Rescue, using his expertise to help birds in need. Don's enthusiasm for ornithology is undeniable, and he loves nothing more than to share it with those around him.