Have you ever wondered the plural of Tufted Titmouse? Often in the field, I say “Tufted Titmouses” and then quickly change to “Tufted Titmice.” I finally decided to research the answer!
The origin of the word “mouse” comes from the Old English word “mase,” meaning “small bird” and has no connection to rodents. Many purists argue the plural in this case is “titmouses.” However, Merriam-Webster Dictionary states:
tit·mouse ˈtit-ˌmau̇s
plural: titmice ˈtit-ˌmīs
any of several small North American oscine birds (genus Baeolophus of the family Paridae) that are related to the chickadees, have small bills and usually long tails, and have been sometimes placed especially formerly in a related genus (Parus)
Besides the dictionary, many well-known bird guide books, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and even spellcheck have adopted “titmice” as the plural.
My recommendation? Pick the one you like and stick with it! I’ll probably chose “titmice” as its less syllables and more natural and easier to say.
Now, for more information about the Tufted Titmices, continue reading below!
Tufted Titmouse – Baeolophus bicolor
Length: 6.5″; Wingspan: 9.75″; Weight: 0.75 oz.
Aside from the Carolina Chickadee, this is probably the most likely visitor to a backyard feeder on Seabrook Island. It is silvery gray with a soft-colored orange just below its wing. It is a small bird but appears considerably bigger than a chickadee when they are next to one another, which they often are. Its crest is a good field mark.
During the summer months, titmice feed on insects but in the winter, they are particularly fond of sunflower seeds, and the bigger the better. If you have a feeder in your yard, you can watch as the titmouse picks out a large seed, holds it between its feet and pecks on it vigorously until the seed cracks open to release the tender heart inside. They are quite brave and will come to a feeder that is placed on a window providing a wonderful view for the homeowner.
The titmouse has a big sound for such a small bird. His main song sounds as though he is calling in a two-note descending minor third (for you musical folks) which is repeated usually three to four times: Peter Peter Peter. It’s a full, rich sound and quite distinguishable once you are familiar with it.
As the map below indicates, the Tufted Titmouse is here all year long. They build their nests in pre-existing tree cavities or sometimes in a bluebird box. They are quite territorial such that, even when breeding is finished, the male and female remain together and do not join with others as the chickadees do.
Watch for these little guys. They are not the biggest or the brightest (color, that is) but they grow on you! View this short video from Cornell Lab of Ornithology to see the Tufted Titmouse.
If you would like to learn more about this bird visit:
Article submitted by: Marcia Hider/ resubmitted 2022 / 2024
Photographs provided by: Ed Konrad and File Photos
This blog post is part of a series SIB will publish on a regular basis to feature birds seen in the area, both migratory and permanent residents. When possible we will use photographs taken by our members. Please let us know if you have any special requests of birds you would like to learn more about.