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Weighing less than .18 oz/5 gm and measuring 4 in/10 cm it is one of North America's smallest birds. It has a distinctive long tail, black legs and feet and a short black bill. Its plumage is generally gray all over, a bit lighter on the breast and underside. |
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The female Bushtit (left) has tiny yellow eyes whereas the male (right) has black ones. It likes to forage in noisy groups, feeding on insects, spiders and grubs. They zip about here and there exploring trees and shrubs, often hanging upside-down in an attempt to get a something tasty.
On colder nights, the group will huddle together to conserve heat. |
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The Bushtit builds an elaborate long, pouch-like nest (left). Both sexes work together to build the nest out of twigs, feathers, moss, flowers and grass, a process which can take several weeks. When completed the two will move in and share the responsibilities of raising the young. |
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