Description
Birds are an ever-popular theme that comes alive in vibrant colour on this 2011 extra-large 25-cent coin. It measures a full 35 mm across its diameter - plenty of space to showcase its endearing detailed design. Colour combined with this coin's specimen finish. Mintage is 15,000 coins.
The Design:
The round, compact proportions of the Black-capped Chickadee become evident as it sets upon a pine branch.
The Black-capped Chickadee:
The Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapilla)is Canada’s most widespread bird species, flitting about wooded areas as far north as Alaska. It measures a mere 12–15 cm (4.75–6 in) tip to tip but is surprisingly hardy to brave the northern climate and larger avian species. Black-capped Chickadees will not hesitate to challenge intruders and can often be seen chasing other birds away from feeders. This clever bird is also known to hide its food—and remember its hidden cache28 days later!
The Black-capped Chickadee also has notable thermoregulation abilities to decrease its body temperature by 10–12° C (50–54° F) below day time levels to conserve energy on cold winter nights.
The official bird of New Brunswick sets to the busy task of nesting from April to June. A tree hole is ideal for this compact bird, but it will not refuse an abandoned woodpecker nest or hand-made nesting box.
