Corthylio calendula
The Ruby-crowned Kinglet, *Corthylio calendula*, is a remarkably diminutive yet vibrant songbird, one of the smallest passerines in North America, measuring only about 4 to 4.5 inches (10-11 cm) in length and weighing a mere 0.2 to 0.25 ounces (5-7 grams). Its plumage is primarily olive-green, with a paler underside, featuring a distinctive broken white eye-ring and two prominent white wing-bars on dark wings, often with a faint yellow edge. While both sexes share this general appearance, mal...
This adaptable species primarily inhabits coniferous and mixed coniferous-deciduous forests for breeding, preferring spruce, fir, and pine. During migration and winter, they utilize a broader range of wooded and shrubby habitats, including parks and riparian areas, from sea level to high mountain...
Their diet consists predominantly of small insects and spiders, including aphids, caterpillars, beetles, and insect eggs. They occasionally supplement this with small berries, tree sap, and nectar, especially during colder months or migration.
Ruby-crowned Kinglets are ceaselessly active, constantly flitting through foliage and flicking their wings, giving them an almost hyperactive demeanor. They forage by gleaning small insects and spiders from leaves, twigs, and bark, often hover-gleaning or making short aerial sallies to catch prey...
The Ruby-crowned Kinglet exhibits a vast breeding range across North America, spanning the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska, extending south through the coniferous and mixed forests of the western United States mountains, and reaching into northern New England and the higher elevations of the ...
Least Concern
- The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is one of North America's smallest songbirds, second only to hummingbirds in diminutive size. - The male's brilliant ruby crown is usually hidden, only revealed during moments of excitement, territorial displays, or courtship. - Despite its tiny stature, it possesses an...