What are the tiny gray birds I see in flocks?
These are Bushtits, the smallest birds in California except for hummingbirds. They are very social, living in flocks all year except when nesting. They are easily recognized by their high-pitched twittering call; when a predator approaches, the whole flock begins calling, in an attempt to confuse the predator and prevent it from singling out one individual for attack. Their nest is unique, a large bag of soft material with a roof and entrance on the side near the top. Bushtits feed entirely on minute insects. The males and females look identical except for eye color: males have dark eyes, females light eyes.
