Chestnut-backed Chickadee

The Chestnut-backed Chickadee prefers mixed forests but is a common sight in any
wooded park or backyard in the city. It is particularly fond of sunflower seeds and
suet, and tamer birds in Stanley Park will take peanuts from an outstretched hand.
Chestnut-backed Chickadees nest in tree cavities. If they cannot find a suitable
existing cavity, they will excavate their own in soft wood. They also use backyard bird-
houses if they are available. To ensure that your birdhouse is adopted by chickadees,
and not taken over by sparrows, make sure the opening is 32 millimetres in diameter
(sparrows need 38 millimetres). Commercial birdhouses may be adapted by gluing
pieces of wood with the correctly sized opening over the existing hole.

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