Black-capped and mountain chickadees are closely-related species that co-occur in Boulder County but occupy different habitats based on elevation. The Boulder Chickadee Study leverages an extensive network of nest boxes from Boulder up the Mountain Research Station to look at how cities are changing the interactions between these two species from both genomic and field-based perspectives. We pair field studies with cutting-edge genomic tools to characterize the species barrier between these inquisitive & industrious birds.

We are broadly interested in understanding how human-modified spaces are impacting the interactions between these two species. We currently have the following on-going projects:

• Assessing the degree of hybridization between the two species
• Quantifying nest parasites along mountain slopes
• Characterizing the feather patterning of the two species

Folks that are interested in participating in the Boulder Chickadee Study must live within Boulder County. By participating, you will host chickadee nest boxes on your property, assist in monitoring these boxes throughout the breeding season, and submit your nest box observations to CU researchers using an online submission platform. All types of participants are welcome, regardless of bird knowledge or yard type.

The chickadee breeding season runs from Mid-April through the beginning of June.

• Boulder Chickadee Study

  Additional Info

  A nest box study tracking hybridization between black-capped and mountain chickadees in Boulder County Colorado. Those interested in participating in the Boulder Chickadee Study must live in Boulder County. By participating, you will host chickadee nest boxes on your property, assist in monitoring the boxes (Mid April-beginning of June), and submit nest box observations to CU researchers online.

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  Location

  in colorado

  Boulder

  Dates

  Ongoing

  Public or Private

  Private Program (by request only or for a specific audience or group)

  Program Fee

  No charge to attend/participate in activity or program

• Boulder Chickadee Study Symposium

  Additional Info

  We typically present results from the field season in a fall or spring symposium that we advertise on our lab website and via email.

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  Location

  on campus

  Dates

  Ongoing

  Public or Private

  Private Program (by request only or for a specific audience or group)

  Program Fee

  No charge to attend/participate in activity or program