Oak Titmouse
Baeolophus inornatus
The Oak Titmouse is a year-long resident in my north Berkeley, CA neighborhood. This photograph was taken after the breeding season was over (November 2, 2014). In the last two weeks of March, however, the males of this species sing prominently every morning as the mating season approaches. Since they generally mate for life, they may not be seeking a female. They do this as a way of defending their territory from others. I usually walk a two-mile circuit, and the singers seem to stay spaced about 200-300 yards from one another. Makes for a great morning walk.