Sal from Osterville, MA, finally identified the persistent “dee-da, dee-da, dee-da” call in his yard after five years of searching. He wonders if this call signifies a lonely bird seeking a mate or a territorial announcement. This inquiry into avian communication is a common one, and understanding bird behavior can deepen our connection with the natural world. The Tufted Titmouse, a common sight and sound in the eastern United States, possesses a surprisingly rich vocal repertoire and intriguing social behaviors that go beyond its most recognized call.
The Tufted Titmouse is a familiar presence across the eastern U.S., its song often becoming background noise to daily life, much like the chirping of spring peepers or the hum of a distant lawnmower. Many may hear this call regularly without consciously identifying the bird behind it. Its song is so pervasive that it can even get lodged in one’s head, as observed by the author when a construction worker was heard whistling the tune. While some might recognize the song, admitting to understanding “titmouse talk” might be considered unusual by many.
The titmouse is far more vocally diverse than its commonly heard song suggests. The author, an avid bird watcher, has on occasion mistaken titmouse calls for those of a new or unfamiliar species, highlighting the bird’s impressive range. However, the most frequent vocalization is its signature “peter, peter, peter” song, which Sal accurately interprets as “dee-da, dee-da, dee-da.” The author even favors Sal’s interpretation, humorously noting that birds, like humans, might find certain sounds redundant.
Both of Sal’s hypotheses about the call’s purpose are likely correct. Male Tufted Titmice use their songs to establish territories and attract females. The prevailing theory suggests that the male who sings most persistently and loudly is perceived as fitter and better equipped to provide for a potential mate. This is because a male with the energy to sing extensively likely excels at foraging and sustaining himself. In contrast, less vocal birds may be less efficient foragers, dedicating more time to finding food and thus having less opportunity to sing. This is humorously illustrated by the idea that quieter birds might sing with their beaks full, a trait considered unattractive to females.
Beyond vocalizations, Tufted Titmice employ non-vocal communication, particularly through their crest or tuft. This distinctive feature plays a role in establishing social status within the flock, especially during the fall and winter when titmice often travel in small groups. A dominant bird will assert its position by landing on a food source with its tuft fully erect, signaling to others to keep their distance. Subordinate birds, opting to avoid conflict, will approach food with their tufts flattened, a posture likened to a dog caught misbehaving. The author recounts an amusing anecdote about a bird owner who mistook a titmouse with a flattened crest for a different, nonexistent species – the “Comb-over Titmouse.”
Similar to chickadees, titmice are frequent visitors to bird feeders, readily consuming nuts and sunflower seeds. They also utilize birdhouses and old woodpecker cavities for nesting. However, titmice demonstrate a preference for nesting sites within wooded areas, making them less likely to occupy birdhouses in open backyards. Furthermore, they tend to nest higher off the ground compared to many other cavity-nesting birds. The author acknowledges a past misstep in advising people to place nest boxes on short, open posts, a strategy that, while suitable for species like chickadees, bluebirds, or wrens, is less appealing to titmice. This advice may have inadvertently prevented many from attracting nesting titmice.
It’s gratifying that Sal has finally identified the source of the “dee-da, dee-da, dee-da” call. The author now faces the task of rectifying his previous nesting box advice and informing those who followed it that their setups are more likely to attract other common cavity nesters. The hope is that these alternative residents won’t include any “Comb-over Titmice,” which are humorously described as rather unsettling.
