Chickadee Lifespan – How Long Do They Live?

Last Updated on Jan 19 2023

There are seven species of chickadee native to the U.S., including the rare Gray-Headed Chickadee with only a few sightings a year, and the Black-Capped Chickadee, which is found throughout most of the country and regularly sighted in gardens and yards. The birds are popular at feeders, and some people have successfully managed to feed chickadees from the palms of their hands.

What’s the Average Lifespan of a Chickadee?

Typically, these little songbirds have an average life expectancy of only about 2–3 years, although they can live as long as 8 years in the wild and potentially to 10 years in captivity, although they are rarely kept as pets.

Image Credit: Bob Pool, Shutterstock

Why Do Some Chickadees Live Longer Than Others?

There are a lot of factors that determine how long a chickadee will live. Although most species have roughly the same average life expectancy, there is likely some difference between them. Many chickadees are prey to animals including, but not limited to, foxes, coyotes, snakes, and even some larger birds like eagles and hawks. Illness may also take some, while pet cats are also responsible for taking some chickadees.

The 4 Life Stages of a Chickadee

Below is a rough guide to the four primary stages of a chickadee’s life:

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How to Tell a Chickadee’s Age

According to ornithologists, chickadees are difficult to age using feather shape, which is a common technique used to age birds. In fact, the most commonly used technique to determine age is to check the color of the inside of the mouth, but this is unlikely to be a reliable technique for the garden bird watcher. Look to determine whether the bird returns to a nest and its parents. If so, it is a young bird, typically only a few weeks old. If it is independent, the chickadee could be two months or older.

Final Thoughts

Chickadees are native to the U.S. and found in virtually every area of the country. There are seven varieties, and all are expected to have a lifespan of about 2 years, although some can live to reach 8 years in the wild and 10 in captivity. It is difficult to age a chickadee, with the most reliable method being to check the color of the inside of the bird’s mouth, but the keen birdwatcher can monitor the bird’s activity to determine whether it is still returning to its parents for regular feeds.

Featured Image Credit: JackBulmer, Pixabay