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Bushtit Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    Bushtits are tiny, kinglet-sized birds. They are plump and large-headed, with long tails and short, stubby bills.

    Relative Size

    Slightly smaller than a chickadee; about the size of a kinglet.

    Relative Sizesparrow or smallersparrow-sized or smaller

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes

Regional Differences

Individuals of this species tend to be darker in more humid coastal areas. Along the Pacific Coast, Bushtits have brown crowns; birds farther inland have gray crowns. The frequency of Bushtits with blackish masks increases in southern parts of the range.