The Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice constitute the Paridae, a family of small passerine birds which occur mainly in the Northern Hemisphere and Africa.
Eurasian and African members of this family are referred to as “Tits”, while North American species are called either “Chickadees” derived from their distinctive “chick-a dee dee dee” alarm call or “Titmouses”, the latter being an older name that was used for all Tits. The name Titmouse is recorded from the 14th century, composed of the Old English name for the bird, denoting something small. These birds are mainly small, stocky, woodland species with short, stout bills. Some have crests. They range in length from 10 to 22 cm (3.9 to 8.7 in). They are adaptable birds, with a mixed diet including seeds and insects. Many species live around human habitation and come readily to bird feeders for nuts or seed, and learn to take other foods.
