GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Black-capped Chickadee (Parus atricapillus)

Species Code: PAAT

Legend:
= Core Habitat
= Marginal Habitat

Breeding Range Map
The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA), other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Habitats used during non-breeding months and migratory rest-stops were not mapped.

Metadata (Data about data or how the map was made)

Click to enlarge distribution map

Other maps & Information:

Breeding Bird Atlas
NatureMapping observations
during breeding season
NatureMapping observations
throughout the year

This species is common at lower elevations where hardwood trees occur, but very local in the Columbia Basin. In western Washington, it is found in most settled areas and wetlands with suitable hardwood vegetation. In eastern Washington, it occurs in similar habitats, but is more restricted to wetlands.

Core zones were those below Silver Fir (west side) and Subalpine Fir (east side), but the species was excluded from much of the Columbia Basin by range limits. Good habitat in forested zones were low-mid-density development, fresh water/wetlands,hardwood forests, and mixed forests.

The Black-capped Chickadee is the chickadee that invades successional areas in Washington. In most of the northeastern United states, it is the only chickadee, occurring throughout the hardwood forests of that region. There is a much greater area of suitable habitat available today than formerly, due to increased conversion of conifer forests to clearcuts, housing developments, etc.

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Bird Volume by Uchenna Bright
Text edited by Gussie Litwer
Webpage designed by Dave Lester