Black-Capped Chickadee: History, Facts, Size, Habitat, Classification & Much More

By Kristen Haudenschild

If you’re curious about animals, today we have an exciting topic for you – the Black-Capped Chickadee! These little birds are a common sight in North America and have an interesting history to uncover. So, let’s dive into the fascinating world of the Black-Capped Chickadee!

Black-capped chickadees have been around for a long time. They have lived in North America for thousands of years. These adorable little birds are commonly found in gardens, parks, and forests throughout the continent. They are small in size and have a round-shaped body, measuring about 5 inches from head to tail.

Speaking of their habitat, Black-Capped Chickadees can adapt to various environments. They make their homes in tree cavities, often finding cosy spots in decaying wood. You can also spot them in birdhouses, which some kind of people put up for them. These clever birds are known for their distinctive behaviour, such as storing food in hidden places for later consumption.

Now let’s talk about the classification of the Black-Capped Chickadee. They belong to the kingdom Animalia, the phylum Chordata, the class Aves, the order Passeriformes, and the family Paridae. It’s quite fascinating how these little birds fit into the grand tree of life! So, if you’re interested in learning more about the Black-Capped Chickadee, stay tuned for our upcoming posts.

Remember, we already have an article on 155+ Animals Name that you might enjoy too. Keep an eye out for all the exciting topics we have lined up for you in our blog!

History of Black-Capped Chickadee

The history of the Black-Capped Chickadee bird is quite fascinating. These small, adorable creatures have been living in North America for many, many years. They can be found in forests, woodlands, and even in urban areas. The Black-Capped Chickadee is best known for its distinctive black cap and bib, which contrasts against its white cheeks and belly.

Throughout history, the Black-Capped Chickadee has captured the attention and admiration of many people. Native Americans believed that this tiny bird had special powers and could bring good luck. They even named it “Dee Dee” to honour its beautiful song. Early European settlers also recognized the charm of the Black-Capped Chickadee and were delighted by its cheerful disposition.

Black-capped chickadees are known for their intelligence. They have excellent memories and can remember where they have hidden food for over a month. These birds are also highly social and are often seen in flocks, communicating with each other through a wide range of calls and songs. They are curious little creatures that are not afraid to explore their surroundings, which makes them quite endearing to many birdwatchers.

The Black-Capped Chickadee has a rich history that spans many generations. Highly regarded by Native Americans and European settlers alike, these birds have left a lasting impression with their distinctive appearance and cheerful songs. Their intelligence and sociability have made them a favourite among bird enthusiasts, who are always on the lookout for these adorable creatures in their natural habitats.

Importance of Black-Capped Chickadee

The Black-Capped Chickadee is a special bird that plays a very important role in our environment. These cute little birds are not just lovely to look at, but they also help us in many ways.

Firstly, the Black-Capped Chickadee eats a lot of insects. They enjoy feasting on bugs like caterpillars and beetles, which can sometimes damage our plants and crops. By eating these insects, the Black-Capped Chickadee helps to control their population and prevent them from causing harm to our gardens and farms.

Secondly, these birds are also great seed dispersers. They have a unique habit of storing seeds in different places for later consumption. However, they often forget where they hid their seeds, which leads to new plants growing in those areas. This helps with reforestation and ensures a diverse variety of plants.

Lastly, the Black-Capped Chickadee is a source of enjoyment for many people. Their sweet chirping and playful behaviour can bring joy and happiness to those who observe them. They can also be easily attracted to bird feeders, allowing us to have a closer look at these beautiful creatures.

The Black-Capped Chickadee is an extraordinary bird that not only adds beauty to our surroundings but also helps us by controlling insect populations and spreading seeds. Their presence reminds us of the importance of protecting and preserving our environment.

Amazing Facts About Black-Capped Chickadee

1. The Black-Capped Chickadee is a small, adorable bird that can be found in North America.
2. Their name comes from the black cap they have on their head, which contrasts with their white cheeks.
3. These birds are about 4.7 to 5.9 inches long, with a wingspan of approximately 6.3 to 8.7 inches.
4. Despite their small size, they are known for their loud and distinctive call, which sounds like “chick-a-dee-dee-dee.”
5. Black-capped chickadees have a varied diet that includes insects, seeds, berries, and even small vertebrates like frogs.
6. They are quite agile and can cling upside-down to tree branches while searching for food.
7. These birds are known for their curious nature and can become quite tame around humans, often taking food from people’s hands.
8. They are monogamous birds, meaning they have only one mate for life, and they form strong bonds with their partners.
9. In the winter, Black-Capped Chickadees can enter a state called torpor, where they lower their body temperature to conserve energy and survive in colder temperatures.
10. These birds are cavity nesters, meaning they build their nests in tree cavities or nest boxes.
11. Black-capped chickadees are proficient excavators and can create their nesting cavities by pecking at decaying wood.
12. They line their nests with soft materials such as moss, fur, and even spider silk to create a cosy environment for their eggs.
13. The female typically lays 5 to 8 eggs, which she incubates for about two weeks before they hatch.
14. Both the male and female take turns feeding their chicks, which leave the nest approximately 16 to 17 days after hatching.
15. These birds are highly adaptable to different environments and can be found in forests, woodlands, parks, and suburban areas with trees.

Can we keep a Black-Capped Chickadee as our Pet?

The Black-Capped Chickadee bird is a beautiful creature that many people find fascinating. However, it is not a good idea to keep them as pets. These birds are meant to live freely in the wild, not in cages or cages. They are well adapted to their natural environment and are best left there.

One important reason we should not keep Black-Capped Chickadees as pets is that it is against the law in many places. Many countries have strict rules about keeping wild animals as pets to protect their natural habitats and ensure their survival. Additionally, these birds have specific dietary and environmental needs that are difficult to meet in captivity. It is best to admire them from a distance and let them live their lives freely in the wild.

Sadly, due to various reasons such as habitat loss and pollution, some bird species, including the Black-Capped Chickadee, have become extinct. “Extinct” means that there are no more of these birds left in the world. This is a tragic loss, and we need to learn from these mistakes and protect other bird species. We cannot keep extinct birds as pets because they no longer exist, and it is our responsibility to prevent more species from becoming extinct.

In short, it is not advisable to keep Black-Capped Chickadees as pets. These birds are best left in their natural habitat, where they can thrive and contribute to the biodiversity of our planet. Let’s appreciate them from afar and work towards preserving their habitats so that future generations can enjoy their beauty.

Size of Black-Capped Chickadee

The Black-Capped Chickadee bird is a small and adorable creature. It is only about 5 to 6 inches long and weighs around 10 to 12 grams. That’s about the same size as a small juice carton! Even though it is tiny, it has a big personality.

This bird has a black cap on its head, which is where it gets its name from. Its body is mostly grey with a white belly, and it has a short tail. You can easily identify this bird by its cheeky black eyes and its cheerful call that sounds like “chick-a-dee-dee-dee.”

Despite its small size, the Black-Capped Chickadee bird is a tough little creature. It can bravely endure cold winters and harsh weather conditions. You might spot it hopping around branches or hanging upside down like an acrobat, searching for insects and seeds to eat.

The Black-Capped Chickadee bird may be small, but it has a big impact on nature with its delightful presence and cheerful songs.

Habitat of Black-Capped Chickadee

The Black-Capped Chickadee is a small bird that can be found in North America. It is known for its distinctive black cap and bib, with white cheeks and a greyish body. This bird is commonly found in forests, woodlands, and parks, where it can make its home in various types of trees and shrubs.

The habitat of the Black-Capped Chickadee is usually near a water source, such as a stream or pond, as it needs water to survive. It prefers areas with dense vegetation, like thickets and brush piles, which provide shelter and protection. These birds also like to live in areas with a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, as they offer a variety of food sources.

The Black-Capped Chickadee builds its nest in tree cavities, usually made by woodpeckers or other birds. They line their nests with soft materials like moss, fur, and plant fibres to keep the eggs and chicks warm. These birds are known for their ability to cache food, which means they store extra food in different places to eat later when food is scarce.

The Black-Capped Chickadee is a small bird found in North America. It prefers to live in forests, woodlands, and parks near water sources. These birds build nests in tree cavities and like areas with dense vegetation. They also can cache food for later use.

Evolution of Black-Capped Chickadee

The Black-Capped Chickadee is a small bird that has evolved over a long period. It all began with its ancestors, which were ancient birds called Passeriformes. These birds lived around 50 million years ago and gave rise to many different bird families, including the chickadee family.

As time went on, the chickadee family branched out into different species. One of these species eventually became the Black-Capped Chickadee that we know today. This evolution happened because the birds needed to adapt to their environment to survive.

The Black-Capped Chickadee has changed in many ways over the years. Its beak, for example, has evolved to be shorter and stronger, allowing it to crack open seeds and eat insects. Its wings have also become shorter and more rounded, which helps it manoeuvre quickly through the trees. Additionally, its colouration has changed, with a black cap and bib contrasting with its mostly grey feathers.

The Black-Capped Chickadee has gone through a long process of evolution to become the bird we see today. It is amazing to think about how much this tiny bird has changed and adapted to its environment over millions of years. Studying the evolution of birds like the Black-Capped Chickadee helps scientists understand how species can change and survive in different environments.

Classification of Black-Capped Chickadee

The Black-Capped Chickadee bird is a small and charming creature with a captivating appearance. It belongs to the Aves class, which includes all types of birds. More specifically, it falls under the order of Passeriformes, which consists of perching birds. This order contains nearly half of all known bird species, making it the largest taxonomic order among birds.

Furthermore, the Black-Capped Chickadee is a member of the family Paridae, commonly known as the Chickadee family. This family includes other small songbird species found in North America, Eurasia, and Africa. The Black-Capped Chickadee’s scientific name is Poecile atricapillus, which provides additional information about this species.

Within the species classification, the Black-Capped Chickadee belongs to the genus Poecile, distinguishing it from other chickadee species. Genus refers to a more specific classification category. Finally, the Black-Capped Chickadee has the species name atricapillus, which helps differentiate it from other members of the Poecile genus.

The classification of the Black-Capped Chickadee is as follows: it belongs to the Aves class, Passeriformes order, Paridae family, Poecile genus, and its species name is atricapillus. This delightful bird is one of the many songbirds in the chickadee family, known for their beautiful songs and small size. Remember, when you come across a Black-Capped Chickadee, you can now appreciate its unique classification within the fascinating world of birds.

Different Types of Black-Capped Chickadee

1. Black-Capped Chickadee: The most common type of Chickadee found in North America. They have a black cap, a white face, and a greyish-white underside. Known for their distinctive “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” song and their friendly behavior towards humans. They are adaptive and can survive in various habitats, including forests, parks, and suburban areas.

2. Boreal Chickadee: Native to North America, they are mostly found in northern areas with dense coniferous forests. They have a brownish-grey overall colour with a buff-colored belly. Unique to this species, they have a rusty-coloured patch on their sides, distinguishing them from other Chickadees. Their diet primarily consists of insects and seeds, and they are known for their acrobatic foraging skills.

3. Mexican Chickadee: Endemic to the mountains of western Mexico, these Chickadees are known for their distinctive white eyestripe. They have a grey upper body and a pale grey underside. They inhabit montane forests and are adapted to the unique environment found in high altitudes. Their diet consists of insects, seeds, and berries.

4. Chestnut-backed Chickadee: Found along the west coast of North America, these Chickadees have a chestnut-coloured back, hence their name. They have a black cap, white cheeks, and a greyish-white underside. They are known for their curiosity and often visit bird feeders and backyards. They prefer mixed and coniferous forests as their habitat.

5. Carolina Chickadee: Native to the southeastern United States, these Chickadees have a black cap, white cheeks, and greyish-white underside. Similar in appearance to Black-Capped Chickadees, but they have a shorter black cap and a slightly longer tail. They inhabit woodlands and suburban areas and have adapted well to living near humans. Their diet consists of insects, berries, and seeds.

6. Mountain Chickadee: Found in mountainous regions of western North America, they have a grey overall colour and a white eyestripe. They have a lighter grey underside and a black cap. They inhabit coniferous forests and are well-adapted to survive in colder climates. Their diet mainly consists of insects and seeds.

7. Boreal Chickadee: This Chickadee is native to the boreal forests of North America, especially in Canada. They have a brownish-grey overall colour, a buff-coloured belly, and a white eyestripe. They are known for their resilience and can withstand extremely cold temperatures. Their diet consists of insects, seeds, and berries.

8. Siberian Tit: Found in Siberia, this bird is similar in appearance to the Black-Capped Chickadee. They have a grey overall colour, a black cap, and a white side. Known for their intelligence, they can solve puzzles and overcome obstacles to obtain food. Their diet mainly consists of insects, seeds, and berries.

9. Eurasian Blue Tit: Native to Europe and parts of Asia, this bird is similar in appearance to the Black-Capped Chickadee. They have a blue crown, a yellow underside, and a white face. They inhabit woodlands and gardens and are adaptable to various habitats. Their diet consists of insects, seeds, and fruits.

10. Carolina Chickadee: Similar to the Black-Capped Chickadee, they are native to the southeastern United States. They have a black cap, white cheeks, and a greyish-white underside. They are known for their inquisitive nature and are easily attracted to bird feeders. Their diet mainly consists of insects, berries, and seeds.

Geographical Presence of Black-Capped Chickadee

The Black-Capped Chickadee bird is mainly found in the North American region. This includes parts of Canada, Alaska, and the northern United States. It is a common bird in these areas and can be seen in forests, woodlands, and even in suburban areas with trees.

These birds prefer habitats with trees because they rely on them for food and shelter. They are particularly attracted to areas with deciduous and coniferous trees, as these provide a good source of insects, seeds, and berries. The Black-Capped Chickadee is known for its distinctive call, which sounds like “chick-a-dee-dee-dee,” and its playful behaviour hopping around branches and tree trunks.

While the Black-Capped Chickadee is widespread in North America, there are certain regions where they are not typically found. These include areas in the southern parts of the United States, such as Texas, Florida, and California. The warm climate in these regions may not provide the ideal conditions for the bird’s survival. However, some chickadees with similar characteristics, like the Carolina Chickadee, can be found in these southern areas.

The Black-Capped Chickadee is a bird commonly found in the North American region, including parts of Canada and the northern United States. They prefer habitats with trees, where they can find food and shelter. However, they are not typically found in the southern parts of the United States, where the climate may not be suitable for their survival.

Scientific Name of Black-Capped Chickadee

The scientific name of the Black-Capped Chickadee bird is Poecile atricapillus. This small bird is known for its black cap on its head, which gives it its name. It also has a small black bib on its throat, and its body is mostly greyish-white on its belly. The Black-Capped Chickadee is found in North America, specifically in the United States and Canada.

Black-capped chickadees are very sociable birds and often travel in small flocks. They are known for their distinctive call, which sounds like “chick-a-dee-dee-dee.” These birds are also known for their ability to remember where they have hidden food, even months later. They have a specialized pouch in their throat where they can store food, such as seeds and insects, for later consumption.

These birds are well-adapted to their environment, with a thick layer of feathers that helps them keep warm during cold winters. They are also able to change their diet according to the season, eating insects during the summer and seeds during the winter. Overall, the Black-Capped Chickadee is a fascinating bird with unique characteristics that make it a joy to observe in nature.

Diet of Black-Capped Chickadee

The black-capped chickadee bird has a varied and interesting diet. They are small birds that mainly feed on insects during the summer months. They search for insects in trees and bushes, and they are particularly fond of caterpillars and spiders. These birds are also known to eat beetles, ants, and even small snails. In addition to insects, they also eat lots of seeds, especially in the winter when insects are scarce. They have a special technique of stashing away seeds for later, hiding them in tree bark or under leaves.

The chickadees have a unique way of finding food. They can hang upside down from branches or crawl along the bark of a tree to reach hidden insects. This helps them find food that other birds cannot reach. They also have a special pouch in their throat where they store some of their food. They can collect many seeds in their throat pouch and then fly away to enjoy their meal in peace.

These birds are very clever and adapt well to different foods depending on the season. They have a varied diet of insects and seeds that helps them survive throughout the year. It is fascinating to learn about how these tiny birds find and store their food, and how they manage to keep their energy levels up. The diet of the black-capped chickadee bird is truly an interesting aspect of their lives in the wild.

Locomotion of Black-Capped Chickadee

The Black-Capped Chickadee bird has a unique way of moving around called locomotion. Locomotion is how animals move from one place to another. The Black-Capped Chickadee uses different types of locomotion depending on what it needs to do.

One way the Black-Capped Chickadee moves is by hopping. It jumps or hops from one branch to another or from the ground to a tree branch. This helps the bird get around and search for food. Another way the bird moves is by flying. It flaps its wings and goes from one place to another. This is useful when it needs to travel a longer distance or escape from danger. The Black-Capped Chickadee has strong wings that allow it to fly quickly and manoeuvre through the trees with ease.

The Black-Capped Chickadee bird uses hopping and flying as its main mode of locomotion. Hopping helps it move from branch to branch or from the ground to a tree. Flying allows it to travel longer distances and escape from danger. Next time you see a Black-Capped Chickadee, watch closely how it moves, and you will be amazed at its incredible locomotion abilities!

Social and Sexual Behaviour of Black-Capped Chickadee

The black-capped chickadee is a type of bird that likes to live in groups called flocks. These birds are very social and like to communicate with each other using different types of calls. They have a special call called a chick-a-dee-dee that they use to talk to each other and warn about danger. This helps them stay safe and take care of each other.

When it comes to love and relationships, the black-capped chickadee is monogamous, which means they have only one partner. They find a mate and stick with them for a long time. They build nests together and share the job of taking care of the eggs and babies. This helps them have a strong and loving family.

The black-capped chickadee also has a special behaviour called caching. This means they collect food and hide it in different places for later. They have a really good memory and can remember where they hid their food even after a long time. This helps them survive during the winter when food is scarce.

The black-capped chickadee is a very friendly and loving bird. They like to live in groups, communicate with each other, and take care of their families. They also have a clever way of storing food for the future. These behaviours help them survive and thrive in their environment.

Reproduction and Lifecycle of Black-Capped Chickadee

The Black-Capped Chickadee is a small bird that lives in North America. It has a unique and interesting life cycle. The life cycle of a Black-Capped Chickadee starts with the female bird laying eggs. She usually lays between 5 to 8 eggs in a nest made from moss, feathers, and fur. The eggs are tiny and white with brown speckles. The female bird stays on the eggs to keep them warm until they hatch. This usually takes about 12 to 13 days.

After the eggs hatch, the baby chicks come out. They are blind and featherless at first, and they rely on their parents to feed them. The parents bring insects and small worms for the chicks to eat. As the chicks grow, they start developing feathers and their eyes open. They become more independent and learn how to fly. The parents continue to feed them until they are ready to leave the nest.

When the baby chickadees can fly well, they leave the nest. They start exploring the world around them and join other chickadees in small flocks. These flocks help each other find food and stay safe from predators. The chicks grow quickly and become adults within a few months. The life cycle of a Black-Capped Chickadee starts all over again when the adults find a mate and lay their own. And so, the cycle continues, ensuring the survival of this delightful bird.

Threats to Black-Capped Chickadee

The Black-Capped Chickadee bird faces several threats that can harm their population and survival. One major threat is the loss of their natural habitat. As cities and towns expand, forests and woodlands where these birds live are destroyed to make room for buildings and roads. This loss of habitat means that there are fewer places for the Black-Capped Chickadees to find food, build nests, and raise their chicks.

Another threat to these birds is the use of pesticides and insecticides. Farmers and gardeners often use these chemicals to get rid of harmful insects that can damage crops and plants. However, these chemicals can also be harmful to birds like the Black-Capped Chickadee. When the birds eat insects that have been exposed to these chemicals, they can become sick or even die.

Climate change is also a big threat to the Black-Capped Chickadee. As the Earth’s temperature rises, it affects the timing of events that these birds rely on. For example, warmer temperatures can cause the early melting of snow and the early blooming of plants. This can disrupt the birds’ natural breeding and feeding cycles, making it harder for them to find food and build nests at the right time.

InTorotect the Black-Capped Chickadee, it is important to preserve their natural habitats. It is also crucial to reduce the use of harmful chemicals in farming and gardening. Additionally, taking action to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions can help ensure a healthier environment for these birds and other wildlife. By addressing these threats, we can help preserve the Black-Capped Chickadee and ensure the survival of this beautiful bird for future generations.

Population of Black-Capped Chickadee

The black-capped chickadee bird is a small and lively creature found in North America. It is quite abundant and has a healthy population across its range. Estimated figures suggest that there are around 35 million black-capped chickadees in the United States and Canada. These birds can be found in various habitats, including woodlands, parks, and suburban areas.

The black-capped chickadee is known for its distinctive black cap and bib, which contrasts with its white cheeks and greyish body. They are small, measuring around five to six inches long, and are known for their acrobatic flight and cheerful songs. These active birds have a curious nature and often visit bird feeders or search for insects in trees and bushes.

Fortunately, the black-capped chickadee bird is not extinct. However, it is essential to protect their habitat and ensure a healthy environment for them to thrive. With increasing urbanization and deforestation, it is crucial to be mindful of the impact humans have on their natural homes. By preserving forests and creating green spaces, we can continue to enjoy the presence of these delightful and charismatic birds for generations to come.

Conclusion

In the vast world of Animals Name, the Black-Capped Chickadee is a small bird that brings delight to many. This fascinating creature has a rich history and a plethora of interesting facts to discover. From its small size to its unique habitat, the Black-Capped Chickadee is truly a wonder of nature.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Black-Capped Chickadee is its classification. It belongs to the bird family Paridae and is part of the genus Poecile. This tiny bird has a distinctive black cap on its head, which sets it apart from other chickadee species. It can be found in various regions across North America, including forests, woodlands, and even residential areas.

Despite its diminutive size, the Black-Capped Chickadee is a lively and sociable creature. It is known for its acrobatic skills and the ability to hang upside down while foraging for food. This species primarily feeds on insects, seeds, and berries, making it an important contributor to local ecosystems.

The Black-Capped Chickadee is a fascinating bird that has captured the hearts of many. Its history, facts, size, habitat, and classification all contribute to its uniqueness in the animal kingdom. Whether you observe it in your backyard or encounter it in the wild, the Black-Capped Chickadee never fails to bring joy and wonder to those who appreciate its beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions about Black-Capped Chickadee (FAQ’s)

Q: What is the scientific name for the Black-Capped Chickadee?
A: The scientific name for the Black-Capped Chickadee is Poecile atricapillus.

Q: What does the Black-Capped Chickadee look like?
A: Black-capped chickadees have a black cap and bib, with white cheeks and a grey back.

Q: Where do Black-Capped Chickadees live?
A: Black-capped chickadees are native to North America and can be found across Canada and parts of the United States.

Q: What is the diet of a Black-Capped Chickadee?
A: Black-capped chickadees primarily feed on insects, seeds, nuts, and berries.

Q: Do Black-Capped Chickadees migrate?
A: While some Black-Capped Chickadees may migrate south during the winter, many choose to stay in their breeding territories year-round.

Q: How do Black-Capped Chickadees communicate?
A: Black-capped chickadees have a variety of vocalizations, including their well-known “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call.

Q: How do Black-Capped Chickadees build their nests?
A: Black-capped chickadees construct nests in tree cavities or use abandoned woodpecker holes, lining them with soft materials like moss, fur, or feathers.

Q: How many eggs do Black-Capped Chickadees lay?
A: Black-capped chickadees typically lay 6-8 eggs per clutch.

Q: How long does it take for Black-Capped Chickadee eggs to hatch?
A: The incubation period for Black-Capped Chickadee eggs lasts approximately 12-13 days.

Q: How long do Black-Capped Chickadee chicks stay in the nest?
A: Black-capped chickadee chicks fledge after around 16-18 days but remain dependent on their parents for a few more weeks.

Q: Do Black-Capped Chickadees form social groups?
A: Black-capped chickadees often form flocks during the non-breeding season, consisting of family members and other individuals.

Q: How long do Black-Capped Chickadees live?
A: Black-capped chickadees have an average lifespan of 2-3 years but can live up to 10 years in ideal conditions.

Q: Are Black-Capped Chickadees common backyard birds?
A: Yes, Black-Capped Chickadees are frequent visitors to backyard feeders and are known to readily accept seeds from human hands.

Q: Can Black-Capped Chickadees become tame?
A: Black-capped chickadees can become accustomed to human presence, often approaching people for food when conditioned to do so.

Q: How can I attract Black-Capped Chickadees to my yard?
A: To attract Black-Capped Chickadees, provide a variety of food sources such as sunflower seeds, suet, and mealworms, as well as ofofferhelter in the form of dense shrubs or birdhouses.

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