Bushtit
A tiny, social western songbird that moves through shrubs and small trees in lively flocks rather than lingering at a feeder.
By Birdly Yard Editorial TeamReviewed Updated
Local season
Months with a state-level historical signal for this species.
Status
Backyard reports
Look for it
Watch dense native shrubs, low woodland edges, parks, and garden trees for a compact flock working through foliage.
Food
Very small insects, spiders, and other tiny invertebrates picked from leaves, bark, and twigs.
Nesting
Natural nesting guidance
One useful next step
Build for the habitat, not just the feeder.
Scrub, open woodland, chaparral, riparian thickets, and suburban gardens with dense foliage provide cover and foraging space.
See the yard actionsA good yard is layered
Food helps, but cover, clean water, native plants, and a safe distance from hazards make a more dependable place for birds.
Bushtit habitat
Scrub, open woodland, chaparral, riparian thickets, and suburban gardens with dense foliage provide cover and foraging space.
Bushtit diet and food
Very small insects, spiders, and other tiny invertebrates picked from leaves, bark, and twigs.
Do not rely on a feeder to attract Bushtits; a layered planting of native shrubs and small trees is much more useful.
How to attract it
Food & feeder
Very small insects, spiders, and other tiny invertebrates picked from leaves, bark, and twigs.
Cover & plants
Scrub, open woodland, chaparral, riparian thickets, and suburban gardens with dense foliage provide cover and foraging space.
Bushtit nesting and breeding
Builds a distinctive hanging pouch nest from moss, grass, spider silk, and other soft material; never disturb an active nest.
Bushtit behavior and where to look
Flocks of many birds move quickly through branches, often hanging upside down while they glean tiny prey.
Photography
Choose a quiet shrub edge and wait for the flock to pass through instead of following it between trees.
What to avoid
Do not pull apart spider-webby nest material or trim occupied shrubs during the nesting season.
Continue exploring
Explore related bird guides
Compare food, habitat and nesting. Local seasonal records vary by species.
