Flock of Chickadees

Five little chickadees, playing near the door,
One flew away, then there were four,
Chickadee, chickadee, happy and gay,
Chickadee, chickadee, fly away.

A song by Peter & Ellen Allard

The Question

Could you please tell me how long chicadees live. I think the same pair has been nesting on my deck each year and they stay the winter and use my feeder - Joan

My Answer

A pair of Chickadees usually break up after nesting and join a group as individuals.

This group is made up of about six to ten birds who remain in the same territory. They may or may not rejoin as pairs when the nesting season comes around again.

How long they live is an unknown. Because of disease and preditors it is hard to calculate. What is happening at your place is you have a resident flock and you see them on a regular basis. .

Hope this helps John

I am looking for a photograph of 5 chickadees - No luck on the Internet. Can you help