The term “snowball bird” is a popular, affectionate nickname for small, round, and fluffy birds, particularly those that appear plumped up against the cold. The visual characteristics of these birds, especially their compact shape and sometimes light-colored plumage, evoke the image of a soft, feathery snowball.
Identifying the “Snowball Bird”
The “snowball bird” is not a scientific classification but a descriptive term for several small, rotund avian species. These birds are typically 4 to 6 inches, with a noticeably plump body shape. Their plumage often appears light-colored or fluffy, especially when puffed up for insulation.
Among the most common species fitting this description are the Black-capped Chickadee and the Carolina Chickadee. The Black-capped Chickadee, known for its distinctive black cap and bib, along with white cheeks, has a gray back and whitish underside with buffy sides. Carolina Chickadees share a similar appearance, though their ranges rarely overlap. Both species have an oversized round head and a tiny body, contributing to their “snowball” look.
Where They Live and How They Behave
These “snowball birds” inhabit a variety of environments, including deciduous and mixed forests, open woodlands, suburban gardens, and parks. Black-capped Chickadees are common in open woods and forest edges, thriving in suburban areas with nesting sites. Carolina Chickadees are endemic to the southeastern United States, frequently visiting backyards.
These birds actively forage, hopping among twigs and branches and gleaning food from surfaces, sometimes even hanging upside down. Black-capped Chickadees are vocal, recognized by their cheerful “chick-a-dee” callnotes. They are social birds, often forming flocks and associating with other small woodland species like nuthatches and woodpeckers.
What They Eat and How to Attract Them
The diet of these small birds primarily consists of insects, seeds, and berries. During the breeding season, up to 90 percent of their diet (especially for Carolina Chickadees) consists of caterpillars and other invertebrates, providing protein for their young. In winter, their diet shifts to more seeds, plant matter, insects, spiders, and suet.
To attract these “snowball birds,” provide specific food sources. Black-capped Chickadees are readily drawn to feeders offering suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts. They take seeds one at a time, often flying to a nearby branch to open them. Planting native shrubs and trees like willow, alder, or birch also provides natural food and nesting habitats.