In the mating season, male titmice come to females with food. And the female titmouse would start vibrating her wings in a vertical direction close to her body when males approach. Sometimes, their wings may emit chips.
In April, a specific mating ritual was observed. After building the nest, the female emerged and flew towards the male quietly perched 10 feet away. The male titmouse moved slightly, and the female approached him two more times. After 20 seconds, she began vibrating her wings, similar to her courtship feeding behavior. 16 seconds later, the male also vibrated his wings briefly, and they copulated. No calls were heard due to the observer’s distance.
titmouse mating video
This interaction showcases the mating behaviors of the Tufted Titmouse. The male titmouse approaches with food indicates his readiness to mate and his ability to provide, a crucial aspect of attracting the female. The female’s wing vibrations serve as a signal of acceptance, encouraging the male’s advances. The wing vibrations from the male before copulation indicate mutual readiness to mate.
In May, another pair of Tufted Titmice was observed engaging in mounting behavior without actual mating, which happened after hatching had begun. The female one had left the nest for about 3 minutes. During this time, the male titmouse fed her twice, and she also searched for food herself. When the male titmice approached, the female titmice started vibrating her wings again. After being fed a 3rd time, she continued the wing vibrations. The male then mounted her but did not proceed with mating. Throughout this interaction, many “chip” sounds were heard, though the exact source of these sounds was unclear.
This indicates that the courtship behavior of the Tufted Titmouse are not only referred to the initial mating period. The feeding and wing vibrations suggest an on-going bonding process between them, reinforcing their relationship and cooperative efforts in raising their young. The non-mating mounting behavior observed might be a reaffirmation to make sure an on-going partnership and cooperation during the demanding periods of hatching and feeding fledglings. The “chip” sounds, although their source was unidentified, might be part of their communication, meaning some complex social interactions.
Tufted Titmice’ eggs are small, less than 1 inch(2.5 centimeters) long, and are either white or cream-colored with brown or purple spots. In most cases, these birds usually have five to seven eggs at a time within a clutch. Unlike most birds, tufted titmice babies usually stay with their parents during the entire winter and even after they are one year old.
The breeding season of tufted titmouse starts in the first week of April. However, some of the females lay eggs later than others in some regions. And the breeding seasons may last till mid-July across the species range. These small gray birds, known for their melodious songs, can lay up to 2 broods each year, with a total of up to 8 eggs. Each white egg, delicately speckled with small spots, measures less than 1 inch long. Titmouse often chooses a secluded and well-hidden spot for its nests, ensuring the safety and warmth of their eggs.
The hatching period for the eggs lasts up to 17 days, during which both parents will take turns keeping the eggs warm. Research has shown that the optimal temperature for egg incubation in these birds is approximately 99 degrees Fahrenheit (37.2 degrees Celsius). Once the eggs hatch, the tiny fledgling emerge and begin their rapid growth. The baby birds fledge approximately 18 days after hatching, during which they develop feathers and strength to leave the nest. Both parents are both engaged in feeding the young, providing them with a diet rich in insects and other small invertebrates to ensure nutrition. Studies indicate that a single chick may consume up to 30 grams of food per day during peak growth periods. Interestingly, the young from the first brood of the season often exhibit a unique behavior: they assist in feeding their siblings from the second brood. This cooperative care increases the survival rate of the younger chicks by as much as 20%, according to field studies, and helps the parents manage the demands of a large family. The first brood’s involvement in rearing the second brood showcases a remarkable example of family cooperation and social behavior in the avian world.
