About This Species
The Golden-crowned Kinglet is one of North America's smallest songbirds, yet it thrives in some of the coldest conditions. Often found flitting high through coniferous forests, it is constantly in motion, hovering and darting among needles and branches in search of insects. Its namesake golden crown—outlined in black—adds a striking flash of color to this tiny, energetic bird.
Fun Facts
- Tiny powerhouse: Weighing less than a nickel, the Golden-crowned Kinglet is one of North America's smallest songbirds, yet it survives harsh northern winters by constantly foraging for food.
- Golden crown: Males display a brilliant orange-gold crown stripe bordered by black and yellow, while females show a more subdued yellow crown, both adding vibrant color to their olive-green plumage.
- Always moving: These hyperactive birds are constantly flitting through branches, hovering at twig tips, and darting between needles in a non-stop search for insects and spiders.
- Cold-weather specialist: Golden-crowned Kinglets breed in northern and montane coniferous forests and can survive freezing temperatures by huddling together and lowering their body temperature at night.
- High-pitched singer: Their extremely high-frequency calls—often above many people's hearing range—consist of thin, wiry notes that can be easy to miss even when the birds are nearby.
