- Psaltriparus minimus
Location: San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico.
Identification
One of North America's smallest birds, other than hummingbirds: 4.5 inches (11 cm) in length, nearly half of which is the long, narrow tail. Weight is only 5.3 g. Eyes are dark in the male, but cream to yellowish in the female. Coastal birds have brown crowns; interior birds are more gray overall with brown cheeks. Birds from southern Texas southward sometimes sport black masks.
Distribution
Southern British Columbia and far western USA through Mexico to Guatemala.
Taxonomy
The Bushtit has 11-12 subspecies depending on authority. The forms with black mask (subspecies including at least melanotis and personatus) was formely considered a distinct species, the Black-eared Bushtit (P. melanotis). There is a complex transition zone between this and the northern forms.
A study shows genetic divisions within this species possibly indicating a future split.
Habitat
Chaparral and open woodlands. Especially southern populations are limited to mountains.
Behaviour
These birds roam in flocks, flowing from one tree to the next, keeping the group together with a constant chatter of calls. They are non-migratory, but may move to lower elevations in the colder months. Gregarious except when breeding. Groups are often seen huddled together on nightly roosts to conserve body heat.
References
Paper describing genetic findings with this species
