Baeolophus ridgwayi

The juniper titmouse is a small songbird (5 1/2 inches) that prefers pinyon-juniper woodland habitat. It was originally called the plain titmouse, but the American Ornithological Society made it and the oak titmouse into two distinct species.

It is gray overall with a straight black bill. Its head shows a raised crest.

Titmice are sociable and are often found in pairs or small groups; they form mixed foraging flocks in winter.

A cavity nester, usually in an old woodpecker nest hole, it will use a nest box and occasionally excavates a cavity in soft or rotten wood. It is nonmigratory, remaining in Utah throughout the year. A good location to find the titmouse is in the pinyon/juniper country of the Stansbury Mountains in the west desert.

It forages for insects and eats pinyon seeds and berries. The titmouse will place a seed or nut between its toes and pound it open, using its short bill like a jackhammer.

It is a monogamous bird. The female incubates three to nine eggs. Altricial young (born with eyes closed, naked and helpless) are fed by both parents and fledge within 21 days.

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Bill Fenimore is owner of the Layton Wild Bird Center (www.wildbird.com/layton).