The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is the most reliable source of information to assess the population status of the Black-capped Chickadee in Canada. The survey covers about half of the species' Canadian breeding population; coverage is poor in the northern sections of the provinces and the territories. Results show a fluctuating population with an overall increase in abundance of about 50% since 1970. The largest increases are in the eastern Bird Conservation Regions (BCR; e.g., Lower Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Plain, Atlantic Northern Forest, and Boreal Hardwood Transition BCRs). In contrast, results for the three western BCRs show moderate to large long-term decreases. All BCRs for which there are reliable/adequate BBS trends are shown below. The Black-capped Chickadee is at an acceptable level relative to its national population goal.
Additional information on: Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) - Canadian analysis