American Bushtit

The American Bushtit is a tiny, social bird with soft gray and brown plumage, and a distinctive long tail. Found in woodlands, scrublands, and gardens across western North America, these birds are known for their highly social behavior, often seen in flocks of 10 to 40 birds. They perform acrobatic foraging, hanging upside-down on branches to glean insects and spiders. Their high-pitched, twittering calls keep the flock connected as they move through the trees. Bushtits build intricate, hanging nests shaped like socks, woven from spider silk and plant fibers, showcasing their remarkable cooperative nesting skills.