Mountain Chickadee
In Arizona, titmice and chickadees are represented by a small but distinctive group of species, mostly confined to forested or riparian habitats in the state’s “Sky Islands” and higher elevations. The Bridled Titmouse (Baeolophus wollweberi) is the most characteristic, a resident of oak and pine–oak woodlands in southeastern Arizona. The Juniper Titmouse (Baeolophus ridgwayi) occurs in more arid regions of northern and central Arizona, especially in juniper and pinyon–juniper woodlands, where its drab gray plumage blends with the muted tones of its habitat.
Among the chickadees, the Mountain Chickadee (Poecile gambeli) is common in mixed conifer and ponderosa pine forests across northern and eastern Arizona, easily identified by its white eyebrow contrasting with its black cap and bib. In contrast, the Mexican Chickadee (Poecile sclateri) is a very localized resident of the Chiricahua Mountains, the only place in the United States where it breeds regularly.