Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
Regulus calendula
About This Species
A tiny, restless songbird of coniferous and mixed forest, constantly flicking its wings as it forages for insects in dense foliage, which makes it tricky to see clearly despite its small size. The male's namesake ruby crown is usually hidden and only flashes briefly during agitation or display. Its surprisingly loud, warbling song carries well through breeding-season woodland, and migration stopovers in spring and fall also offer good viewing in a wider range of habitats.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- Because it is small and easily overlooked, patient, quiet observation from a few metres away with binoculars works far better than trying to approach closely.
- General migratory bird protections across its range prohibit disturbing nests or handling birds.
- There is little else specific to note beyond standard care not to linger near an active nest site.
LCAvesPasseriformesRegulidae
Seasonal Activity
7,178,768 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Regulidae
Photo
Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons
CC-BY-SA-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.