At the birdfeeder chickadees can be seen using their feet to hold sunflower seeds against the branches of trees. Then they hammer the side of the seed until they can grab the nut inside. In the forest, the chickadees hunt for food by poking into the bark of trees for dormant insects. The chickadees like to live in areas where there are decaying trees. These trees are the homes of many types of insects eaten by chickadees.
Chickadees join other birds to chase away common enemies like crows and owls.
This form of chasing is known as mobbing. While it is not fully understood, mobbing seems to be the way small songbirds protect themselves. They make loud calls and dive towards their enemies. They bother the enemy until it moves out of their territory.