General Description: Black-crested Titmice (Baeolophus atricristatus) are small, gray sexually monomorphic songbirds. They are crested, plain gray above, a little lighter under, with a beady black eye and a bit of orangish along the flanks. The top of the crest is black.

Taxonomy: Passeriformes, Paridae. Recently split from Tufted Titmouse, with which it is similar in appearance, voice, and habits.

Favored Habitat: Variety of forested habitats: including oak-juniper scrub, mesquite thickets, thorn scrub, and riparian areas.

Where to Find: Don't look for Black-crested Titmice around Las Vegas. Rather, look for them in central Texas and south into eastern Mexico.