Ruby-crowned Kinglet

About the Ruby-crowned Kinglet

The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is a small, energetic songbird that rarely sits still for long. Olive-green with a subtle white eye ring, it may look plain at first glance — until the male flashes its hidden ruby-red crown feathers. Often seen flitting through shrubs and low tree branches during migration, it constantly flicks its wings while searching for insects.

Fun Facts

• Hidden Crown: The bright red crown is usually concealed and only raised when the bird is excited or displaying.
• Tiny but Loud: Despite its small size, the male has a surprisingly loud and complex song.
• Wing Flicker: Ruby-crowned Kinglets frequently flick their wings while foraging — a helpful identification clue.
• Long Migrant: They breed in northern forests and migrate south across much of the United States in fall and winter.