2011 - 25 Cents - Black-capped Chickadee - Coloured Coin

The round, compact proportions of the Black-capped Chickadee become evident as it sets upon a pine branch.

Honouring nature's sacred gift.
The Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapilla) is Canada's most widespread bird species, flitting about wooded areas as far north as Alaska. It measures a mere 12–15 cm (4.75–6 in) tip to tip but is surprisingly hardy to brave the northern climate and larger avian species. Black-capped Chickadees will not hesitate to challenge intruders and can often be seen chasing other birds away from feeders. This clever bird is also known to hide its food—and remember its hidden cache 28 days later!

The Black-capped Chickadee also has notable thermoregulation abilities to decrease its body temperature by 10–12° C (50–54° F) below daytime levels to conserve energy on cold winter nights.

The official bird of New Brunswick sets to the busy task of nesting from April to June. A tree hole is ideal for this compact bird, but it will not refuse an abandoned woodpecker nest or hand-made nesting box.

Specifications

Mintage 14000
Composition nickel plated steel
Finish specimen (with coloured design on the reverse)
Weight (g) 12.61
Diameter (mm)35
Edge plain
Certificate serialized
Face value 25 cents
Artist Arnold Nogy (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)