One of our most familiar backyard birds, common throughout the state. Titmice usually show their tufted crest, but this one has it slicked back. They're very easy to identify because of the combination of the overall pale gray color, tuft, black spot above the bill, and buff color on the lower flanks.

Titmice often flock together with Carolina Chickadees, relatives in the Paridae family. In the fall, migrant warblers and other neotropical migrant songbirds often join these flocks of parids.

Chapel Hill, NC 3/4/06.