GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Mountain Chickadee (Parus gambeli)

Species Code: PAGA

Legend:
= Core Habitat
= Marginal Habitat

Breeding Range Map
The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA), other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Habitats used during non-breeding months and migratory rest-stops were not mapped.

Metadata (Data about data or how the map was made)

Click to enlarge distribution map

Map with Breeding Bird Atlas records

Other maps & Information:

Breeding Bird Atlas
NatureMapping observations
during breeding season
NatureMapping observations
throughout the year

This species is common in dry coniferous forests throughout eastern Washington, and local in dry forest at high elevations just west of the Cascade crest and on the slopes of Mount Rainier.

Core zones east of the Cascade crest were the Ponderosa Pine, interior Douglas-fir, Grand Fir (Blue Mountains only), Sub-alpine Fir, and Alpine/parkland zones. Peripheral zones east of the Crest were Sub-alpine Fir, Mountain Hemlock, and Alpine Parkland. Conifer forests were good habitats; mixed forests were adequate.

Three chickadee species occur in the conifer forests of Washington. The Mountain Chickadee occupies the drier, more open forests, and its range is limited mostly to eastern Washington forest zones. The wetter, closed-canopy forests at mid-elevations in eastern Washington are more suitable to the Chestnut-backed chickadee.

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Bird Volume by Uchenna Bright
Text edited by Gussie Litwer
Webpage designed by Dave Lester