A Study of the Tufted Titmouse

The tufted titmouse is one of those birds that feels instantly familiar if you live in New England or North America for that matter. They’re year-round residents here—bright-eyed, curious, and often the first to investigate a backyard feeder. Despite their soft gray coloring, they’re full of personality, with that little crest and expressive face that makes them hard not to love.

These illustrations began as simple bird studies of this charismatic backyard visitor. Once I had the portraits right, I started experimenting with seasonal settings.

Common birds like the tufted titmouse are easy to overlook, but they’re part of the everyday rhythm of the natural world. Taking the time to study and paint them is a way of appreciating the wildlife that’s been right outside our windows all along.