Here’s an attractive small bird only found on the Pacific coast from Alaska down to mid-California – the Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens). It is also the only species of chickadee found on Vancouver Island. Similar in size and appearance to it’s cousin, which is found nationwide, the black-capped chickadee, but of course this bird has the notable chestnut ‘waistcoat’ covering it’s back and sides rather than the grey. As with other chickadees, this bird can be found in groups happily chirping away in the trees, both in the depths of forests and in suburban gardens, especially if you have feeders out for them.
