Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Kinglets are among the smallest songbirds and are endearing to many, due to their high level of cuteness. Two species are present in Kitsap: the Golden-crowned and the Ruby-crowned Kinglets. Both species are readily found in the region during the non-breeding season, and the Golden-crowned Kinglet is becoming a more frequent local breeder. The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is strictly migratory and is absent from Kitsap in the summer. Here are some fascinating facts about the Ruby-crowned Kinglet:

• Male and female are visually identical, but the male flashes a bright red patch on his crown when excited, usually in spring. At other times, the red crest is reduced to a subtle red stripe.

• Breeds across southern Canada and Alaska and spends the non-breeding season in the Pacific Northwest, the southern half of the U.S., and Mexico, with pockets of year-round populations in the West.

• Inhabits mixed forests and shrubby areas but prefers coniferous forests with tall trees.

• Usually forages high in the tree canopy, where it primarily eats tiny insects and spiders found on the underside of branches. If necessary, it will hover to grab these hard-to-get meals.

• Highly social in winter, it often feeds in mixed flocks alongside its close cousin the Golden-crowned Kinglet as well as Chickadees, Nuthatches, and Warblers.

• A highly energetic bird that is easily recognizable by its constant wing flicking.

• Males sing loudly to establish their territory, rather than chasing away or fighting with potential competitors.

• The female spends 5 days constructing a round, open nest cup of grass, moss, and spider silk up to 100 feet high near the trunk of a tree and well hidden in the foliage.

• Clutch size is 5 to as many as 12 eggs, which would equal the weight of the female.

• Breeding pairs stay together for about 2 months and part ways when the chicks fledge.

• The overall population is stable, as it has adapted well to human disturbance and habitat fragmentation.

• Distinguished from the similar Hutton’s Vireo by its smaller size, orange legs, thin bill, black patch behind the white wing bar, and constant flitting about. Hutton’s Vireo is slightly larger, has black legs, a thicker bill, no dark patch on the wings, and is less energetic.