The three most common birds in my backyard are the black-crested titmouse, Carolina chickadees and northern cardinals. They are year-round residents and almost seem like part of the family.
The Carolina chickadee has relatives I have never seen, but would love to encounter. For example, mountain chickadees live in the Rockies, blackcap chickadees reside in New England and chestnut-backs are in the Northwest. All sound interesting to me.
As do titmice, they are named from an Icelandic word, “tit,” meaning “something small.” In England, all members of the titmouse family are simply called “tits” which certainly simplifies things. The northern cardinal has expanded its range in recent years and is quite numerous in the Upper Midwest and in New England. However, you might be surprised to know they are not found west of the Rockies, so are absent from about half of the United-States.
The Latin name for cardinal is “Cardinalis cardinalis” and its most common moniker is simply “redbird.” Few birds defend their territories with greater vigor than northern cardinals. They will also fight themselves in a car’s rearview mirror. They are popular birds, being the official state bird in seven states – Illinois, Indiana, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina and Ohio.
All in all, these three avian species are good company throughout the year. From heat of summer to shivery winter, they are dependable and distinctive. I really like them all.
