The tits, chickadees, and
titmice, family Paridae, are a
large family of small
passerine birds which occur in
the northern hemisphere and
Africa. These birds are
called "chickadees" (derived
from their distinctive "chick-a
dee dee dee" alarm call)
or "titmice" in North America,
and just "tits" in the rest of
the English speaking world.
The name titmouse is attested
from the 14th century,
composed of the Old English
name for the bird, mase
(Proto-Germanic *maison)
and tit, denoting something
small. These are mainly
small stocky woodland
species with short stout bills.
Some have crests. They are
adaptable birds, with a mixed
diet including seeds and
insects.
