Baeolophus atricristatus
The Black-crested Titmouse is closely related to the Tufted Titmouse, and regularly hybridizes with it where the two species’ ranges meet. This lively little specialty of central and southern Texas was considered a subspecies of Tufted Titmouse until 2002, when enough differences in the ecology, physiology, and song were identified to warrant its split into a separate species.
The word “titmouse” derives from the Old English words “tit” and “mase,” basically meaning “small bird.” The word “mase” eventually became obsolete, and this part of the name morphed into the familiar word “mouse,” a convenient switch because the quick-moving little gray bird probably reminded people of the small rodent.
The Black-crested Titmouse’s genus name, Baeolophus, is derived from two Greek words for “small” and “crest.” Its species name, atricristatus, likewise gives the nod to this little bird’s jaunty headgear, combining the Latin words for “black” and “crest.”
Birds around the world are declining, and many of them are facing urgent threats. But all birds, even common species like the Black-crested Titmouse, are made more vulnerable by the cumulative impacts of threats like habitat loss and outdoor cats. Much remains to be described about the Black-crested Titmouse, particularly in the Mexican part of its range.
Habitat loss and fragmentation could decrease the amount of suitable habitat for the Black-crested Titmouse in the U.S. and Mexico. Extensive deforestation is taking place in the species’ range in Mexico.
Outdoor cats kill an estimated 2.4 billion birds per year in the U.S. alone. The Black-crested Titmouse is a frequent visitor to backyard feeders, which can put it in closer proximity to free-roaming cats.
The effects of climate change, including drought, fire, and increased heat in the summer, could threaten the nesting success of the Black-crested Titmouse.
Birds need our help to overcome the threats they face. At ABC, we’re inspired by the wonder of birds and driven by our responsibility to find solutions to meet their greatest challenges. With science as our foundation, and with inclusion and partnership at the heart of all we do, we take bold action for birds across the Americas.
Cats make wonderful companions, but they’re safest (and birds are, too) when they’re kept indoors or under the control of their owners. ABC advocates for responsible cat ownership, encouraging millions of pet owners to take steps to keep their cats contained and advocating for policies that benefit birds, cats, and human health.
Habitat is the foundation for any species’ survival. The Rio Grande Joint Venture, a partnership of public and private entities that includes ABC, works to conserve throughout much of Texas and northern Mexico. The Black-crested Titmouse, a social species that flocks with family members, benefits greatly from the RGJV’s work to maintain contiguous habitat and reconnect isolated habitat patches.
ABC has been a leader in the effort to reduce the devastating toll of glass collisions on birds. We’ve developed innovative methods for evaluating the effectiveness of collision deterrents, created resources to elevate our collective understanding of collisions and make solutions readily accessible, and advocated for bird-friendly policies in the U.S.
The Black-crested Titmouse looks very similar to its close relative, the Tufted Titmouse, with gray upperparts, rusty flanks, and a whitish belly. It differs from that species by the pale forehead and blackish crest. The male’s crest is usually darker and longer than the female’s; otherwise, the sexes look alike. Juveniles have grayer, shorter crests.
The Black-crested Titmouse’s song is a sweet-sounding peter, peter, peter, similar to that of the Tufted Titmouse, but more slurred. It gives a variety of sharp-sounding call notes; some act as contact calls between pairs, others are given when an individual is agitated or anxious, and still others in response to rivals and potential predators.
Credit: David Tattersley, XC900110. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/900110.
Credit: Manuel Grosselet, XC677610. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/677610.
The Black-crested Titmouse frequents riparian, oak, and mesquite forests at a variety of elevations, from desert up into mountainous areas.
Specific Area
Texas, Oklahoma, and northeastern Mexico
Range Detail
The Black-crested Titmouse is native to central and western Texas, Oklahoma, and northeastern Mexico. Its range meets that of the Tufted Titmouse in southwest Oklahoma and central Texas.
Did you know?
While the Black-crested Titmouse fares well in a variety of forested habitats, its population peaks in areas where a diverse array of tree species is present.
These spritely little songbirds sing often, making them easy to spot in a variety of habitats throughout their range. Outside of the breeding season, the Black-crested Titmouse joins mixed-species flocks during the winter that can include warblers, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, and Ruby-crowned Kinglets.
The Black-crested Titmouse forages by methodically gleaning its way along tree trunks and branches for insects, its chief food source. It will readily visit feeders if suitable habitat is also nearby. Among its most frequently taken food items are insects and insect eggs, caterpillars, snails, nuts such as pecan and acorn, suet, and berries.
The Black-crested Titmouse forms socially monogamous pairs. Their courtship behaviors are minimal, but the male may feed his prospective mate during courtship.
Like other family members, such as the Black-capped Chickadee, the Black-crested Titmouse is a cavity nester. The female builds a nest in an old woodpecker hole or a cavity in a stump, post, or telephone pole. The nest itself is a rather messy structure of sticks, grasses, leaves, mosses, lichens, and rootlets. Other materials used can include animal hair, feathers, string, cotton, tissue paper, onion skins, or snake skin pieces. The female will also use moss to stuff the space between the nest and the cavity walls.
The female Black-crested Titmouse lays a clutch of four to seven white eggs spotted in reddish-brown, doing all the brooding solo. Both parent birds feed the chicks after they hatch. The young grow quickly and are able to leave the nest about two weeks after hatching.
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