#kinglets

Photo: Ken Mattison

"This tiny bird is often hard to see in summer, when it lives high in tall conifers. In migration and winter, however, it often flits about low in woods and thickets, flicking its wings nervously as it approaches the observer. When it is truly excited (by a potential mate, rival, or predator), the male may erect his ruby-red crown feathers, hidden at other times. The song of the Ruby-crown is jumbled and loud, all out of proportion to the size of the bird."

Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Corthylio calendula)

April 3, 2025

Southeastern Pennsylvania

I suspect this one is a female because I saw no trace of a ruby crown in any of my photos, although it is hidden in the males most of the time.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Corthylio calendula). family Regulidae, order Passeriformes.

Puffy, very smol and wore crown!

Ruby-crowned Kinglet Corthylio calendula