Ruby-crowned Kinglet:       Regulus calendula
Golden-crowned Kinglet:   Regulus satrapa

These two tiny birds have much in common. They are both kinglets, which are among the smallest of all passerines, ranging in size from 3.2 to 4.3 inches and weighing 0.2–0.4 ounces. They have medium-length wings and tails, and small needle-like bills. The plumage is overall grey-green, offset by pale wingbars.

Both have distinctive head markings, and the males possess a colorful crown patch. In the females, the crown is duller and yellower. The long feathers forming the central crown stripe can be erected; they are not visible most of the time. The crests are used in courtship and territorial displays, and when raised is very striking. [1]

Since the crests are not always visible, we depend on the eyes and crown to tell them apart.  The Ruby-crowned has a relative plain face and crown with a pale white eye ring.  The Golden-crowned has bold striping on the dace and crown, including a strip through the eye.

These birds are here only during the winter.  We’ve seen them between the end of November into the first of  March.  They are fun to watch.  Noticeably much smaller than any other bird (except hummingbirds of course), they move around constantly, flitting from branch to branch in search of insects.  They will also visit suet feeders.  And as small as they are, they’re feisty and not easily scared off by your presence.

Ruby-Crowned Kinglet

Compared to the related Golden-crowned Kinglet, the Ruby-crowned Kinglet is slightly larger and more elongated.

Ruby-crowned Kinglets forage actively in trees or shrubs, mainly eating small insects and spiders, some berries and tree sap.  They may hover over a branch while feeding and sometimes fly out to catch insects in flight. The red crest is raised when agitated or in display. [2]  It’s this hovering action, much like a flycatcher, that first caught our attention.

This bird can lay a lot of eggs – as many as 12 in one clutch.  Each egg weighs .02 ounces.  Based of the weight of the bird, 0.2 – .04 ounces, 12 eggs will weigh about as much as the bird. [3]

In spite of it’s high energy level and constant motion, metabolic studies reveal that this bird only burns about 10 calories per day. [3]

The oldest known Ruby-crowned Kinglet was a female, and at least 4 years, 7 months old. [3]

Golden-Crowned Kinglet

The adult male has an orange patch in the middle of the yellow crown. The juvenile is similar to the adult, but with a browner back and without the yellow crown. [4]

They forage actively in trees or shrubs, mainly eating insects, insect eggs and spiders.  They give a series of high-pitched calls on a single note, and tend not to fear human approach. [5]

Don’t let the size of his bird fool you – it’s very hardy.  It can winter in areas when the nighttime temperature falls below -40° Fahrenheit. [5]

Each of the Golden-crowned Kinglet’s nostrils is covered by a single, tiny feather [5]

References and Additional Information

[1]  Wikipedia: Kinglets
[2]  Wikipedia: Ruby-crowned Kinglet
[3] Cornell – All About Birds: Ruby-crowned Kinglet
[4]  Wikipedia: Golden-crowned Kinglet
[5] Cornell – All About Birds: Golden-crowned Kinglet