Kinglets

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Regulus calendula

Family Regulidae (Kinglets)

Size: 4"

Season: Year-round

Habitat: Mixed woodlands, brushy areas

The ruby-crowned kinglet is a tiny, plump songbird with a short tail and a diminutive, thin bill. It has a habit of nervously twitching its wings as it actively flits through vegetation, gleaning small insects and larvae. It may also hover in search of food. Plumage is pale olive green above and paler below, with patterned wings and pale wing bars on the upper coverts. There are white eye rings or crescents around the eyes. The bright-red crest of the male bird is faintly noticeable unless the crest is raised. Its voice is a very high-pitched, whistling seeee. The adult is illustrated.