Ruby-Crowned Kinglet

Ruby-crowned Kinglet ~Photography by Caitlyn Sippel

Probably one of the more easily recognizable songbirds because of its white eye-ring, very small size, and two white wing bars, plus its habit of flicking its wings constantly while foraging. The ruby-coloured crown is often hidden unless the bird is excited or agitated. Ruby-crowns live up to 5 years and live in flocks during the winter. They have a wingspan of 15-18 cm and grow to the length of 9-11 cm.

Voice:

Ruby-crowns have a low call that sounds like jidit. For such a tiny bird it has an impressively loud song, sounding like this: tee tee turr turr turr turr turr, tee-da-leet, tee-da-leet, tee-da-leet.

Listen to the Ruby-Crowned Kinglet's voice:

Nesting:

Ruby-crowns make elongated nests that hang from a large branch. These nests have either an enclosed or open cup made out of bark, hair, fur, feathers, mosses, lichens and spider's silk. These little birds lay 5-12 eggs, only have 1 brood and nest from May to October.

Feeding:

These birds are not picky, as they eat many different types of insects, spiders, spiders' eggs when they're on the outer tips of leaves on small, high branches, seeds, and fruit.