Offer sunflower seeds and suet near cover and support native trees that provide insects, berries, and nesting cavities.
Tufted Titmice are cautious, take-and-go foragers that want quick shelter, natural food, and safe nesting holes.
Feed the take-and-go forager
In warm months they focus on bugs—insects make up close to two-thirds of their annual diet—and caterpillars are a big deal for raising young. In winter, seeds, nuts, and berries take over.
At feeders, they consistently pick the big stuff; experiments show they choose the largest seeds available. You'll often see one grab a single seed, fly to a perch, and hammer it open before returning for the next.
A steady supply of sunflower seeds and suet keeps them coming, especially when natural foods are scarce. Expect quick, single-seed visits rather than long, lingering stays.
Plant for insects, berries, and cover
These birds are rooted in woods—deciduous, moist woodlands and leafy neighborhoods suit them perfectly. If your yard feels like a mini woodland, you're already on the right track.
Native trees and shrubs are the real engine of a titmouse yard; they host insects, fruit, and safe perches. A few powerhouse native trees and shrubs include oaks (caterpillar magnets), dogwoods, viburnums, and serviceberry.
Think in layers: a canopy tree, an understory tree, and a shrub layer create multiple foraging zones and quick escape routes. That structure also keeps them in your space longer, which means more sightings and more of that crest-up curiosity.
Cavities and nest materials they seek
Tufted Titmice can't excavate their own holes, so they use natural cavities and nest boxes for nesting; sites can be anywhere from about 3-90 ft high. Natural holes, old woodpecker cavities, and well-placed boxes are all fair game.
Nuance: reported nest heights range widely, so prioritize a quiet, sheltered spot instead of chasing a single "perfect" height.
Their nest cups are built from leaves and moss, then lined with soft hair. If your pets are pesticide-free, you can offer fur in a mesh bag; it's a simple, safe way of providing nest material that titmice often take.
Steps for a quick backyard blueprint
A titmouse-friendly yard is less about fancy gear and more about shelter, safe perches, varied food, and fresh water arranged so birds can slip into cover quickly.
- Keep a feeder with sunflower seeds and suet within sight of shrubs or small trees.
- Add at least one native canopy tree plus two fruiting shrubs.
- Provide a nest box or preserve a safe snag if your site allows.
- Refresh a shallow water source and keep it near cover.
