Bushtit

Psaltriparus minimus

These plain-colored little songbirds are easiest to recognize by their behavior: they flutter onto a tree or shrub in a sociable flock, cheeping to one another and hanging upside down from branches as they glean insects and spiders. In spite of their weak flight, they move quickly through vegetation, following a leading bird from shrub to shrub. On cold nights, they huddle together in a communal roost.

Fun Fact:
At any time of the year, twittering flocks of these tiny songbirds can be seen hanging like gymnasts from the branches of trees and shrubs as they reach for insects.

What’s for Lunch:
Insects and spiders picked off leaves and twigs

Where’s Home:
Wooded and shrubby areas, year-round