Regulus calendula
male
Although this species is slightly bigger than the Golden-crowned Kinglet, the best identification feature for separating the two is its plain face. The sexes are dissimilar. Adult males have mainly gray-green upperparts, and dark wings with two white wingbars. The central ruby-colored crown patch is revealed only in displaying birds and is otherwise hidden. On the face, a pale patch surrounds and emphasizes the dark beady eye. The underparts are pale olive-gray. Adult females and juveniles are similar to the male but lack the ruby crown patch.
The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is present as a breeding species across northern latitudes of North America and western mountain ranges, mainly from May to September. Although present year-round locally in the southwest, most birds migrate south in fall and the winter range extends from southern U.S.A. to Central America. The species is extremely active and always on the go, searching for invertebrates among the foliage of trees and shrubs.
female
FACT FILE
LENGTH 4.25 in (11 cm)
FOOD Invertebrates
HABITAT Northern conifer forests in summer; wide range of wooded habitats in winter
STATUS Widespread and common, with distinct summer and winter ranges
VOICE Song comprises thin tsi-tsi-tsi notes followed by a chattering warble. Call is a rasping disyllabic ti-dit
