Golden-crowned Kinglet

The Golden-crowned Kinglet, Regulus satrapa, is a diminutive songbird with a striking appearance. Adults are characterized by olive-gray upperparts and pristine white underparts. Their wings are adorned with white bars, and they possess a distinctive black stripe through the eyes. The species' namesake feature is a brilliant yellow crown, bordered by black, which in adult males, includes a central splash of vibrant orange. Juveniles resemble adults but have a browner back and lack the yellow crown. This species is among the smallest passerines in North America, measuring a mere 8 to 11 cm in length.

Identification Tips

When observing these tiny birds, look for the key identifiers: the yellow and black crown, the black eye stripe, and the white wing bars. The male's orange crown patch is a telltale sign when discerning gender. Their thin bills and short tails are also notable features that aid in identification.

Habitat

Golden-crowned Kinglets favor coniferous forests, where they can be seen flitting about the canopy in search of sustenance.

Distribution

These birds are migratory, breeding across Canada, the northeastern and western United States, Mexico, and Central America. They winter in the United States, with some populations residing year-round in coastal regions and the southern parts of their range.

Behaviour

Golden-crowned Kinglets are active foragers, often seen in trees or shrubs. They exhibit little fear of humans, allowing for close observation. Their nesting strategy involves a well-hidden hanging cup, suspended from a conifer branch.

Song & Calls

Their vocalizations consist of a series of high-pitched calls on a single note, which can be heard throughout their habitat.

Breeding

The nest of the Golden-crowned Kinglet is a concealed hanging cup, which is artfully suspended from a branch in their coniferous home.

Similar Species

While similar in size and habitat to the Ruby-crowned Kinglet, the Golden-crowned can be distinguished by its yellow and black crown and different migratory patterns.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet primarily consists of insects, insect eggs, and spiders, which they actively seek out in their arboreal habitat.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Golden-crowned Kinglet as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats at this time.