Black-crested Titmouse

17 cm (6-7") Fairly common. Native to southern Texas, Oklahoma.  Found wherever trees grow, whether they are deciduous, heavy timber, or urban shade trees. Nests in tree cavities, telephone poles, fence posts, and bird boxes. Once considered a subspecies of the Tufted Titmouse, it is now recognized as a separate species.

The bird has rusty sides, gray upperparts, and a whitish belly.

Male: long, dark black crest that is usually erect.

Female: crest is not as dark.

Song: call peter, peter, peter is similar to that of the Tufted Titmouse, but shorter.