Winter Encounters with the Timid Ruby-Crowned Kinglet

Winter Encounters with the Timid Ruby-crowned Kinglet

For any amateur photographer or backyard birder, it seems like a pretty daunting task. The speed at which the timid Ruby-Crowned Kinglets are able to fly in, grab a bite to eat, and then disappear into the brush is absolutely astounding. For weeks (maybe more) we struggled to snap a few photos that were even remotely shareable to the general public! I am of the opinion that these Ruby-Crowned Kinglets are actually just teasing me and other photographers on purpose. It seems they know exactly what they are doing - and they're just too fast to capture on film. (Digital film, that is!)

A Ruby-crowned Kinglet perches in some brush

The funny thing is that while we carry bird food and mealworms out to the feeders in the morning, the Kinglet will often fly right next to us and perch on the deck railing... As if to say "thanks for the food, human!". However, as soon as the camera comes out... Poof, they are gone again! Their behavior really makes us think that they are a bit mischievous by nature. Kinglets are skittish, but they are curious as well. In the Winter months you can find them bouncing around quickly from twig to twig with short, quick wing and tail flicks that force you to squint just trying to keep up. (Picture a Carolina wren in your mind, only much faster!)

A tiny Ruby-crowned Kinglet tries to decide on which suet nugget to eat

What do Ruby-crowned Kinglets eat?

We have found that these birds enjoy eating dried mealworm crumbles, (leftovers, or broken pieces of dried mealworms that the other birds didn't bother with) or little chunks of C&S Suet nuggets, but Ruby-crowned Kinglets won't eat any of the seed mixes that we put out for many other backyard bird species, which include the following bird food options:

• Safflower

• hulled Sunflower

• Thistle

• Special feeder mix and others.

Another thing we have noticed, is that they will drink water from your bird bath or from large plates, but they are intimidated easily by the larger birds so we have to put out smaller water plates for them (Much like Chickadees or Wrens!)

Pro-tip:

Crumble some suet nuggets or mealworm crumbs into a small terra-cotta plate or even into a small platform feeder/deck-mounted feeder and you may just lure one of these adorable birds in for a quick photo-opp!

Ruby-crowned Kinglets visit Marietta, Georgia

How big is a Ruby-crowned Kinglet?

The Ruby-Crowned Kinglet is a pretty small bird, about the same size as a Carolina Chickadee. We don't see them on or near the feeders in Spring or Summer, but when the weather is chilly and insects are scarce, we see one or two of these charming little birds every morning and sometimes in the evenings as well. The Ruby-crowned kinglet typically measures between 3.5 and 4.3 inches long, with a wingspan measuring only 6.3 to 7.1 inches. Also, they weight only 0.2 to 0.3 ounces!

(In metric measurements this equates to length: 9-11cm, wingpan of 16-18cm, and weight of only 5.5-10 grams!).

A Ruby-crowned Kinglet shows off his crown in the bright sunlight

Common Misidentification: Kinglet versus Pine Warbler

The Ruby-Crowned Kinglet could be confused with a dull winter Pine Warbler from a distance, but once you see their "crown" which is typically bright red/orange, you'll know that it is something more special! They are also smaller than Pine Warblers, Goldfinches, and even slightly smaller than Pine Siskins, all which have some degree of yellow/olive green depending on the season.

They are generally a dull brownish/grey or greyish-yellow color with a bit of brighter yellow accents on the wings (Wing primaries or primary flight feathers) and the tail feathers. Pine warblers are somewhat larger, (we'd estimate 25-30%!) and are quite a bit less erratic in their movement. Pine warblers typically fly in, grab some suet or some mealworms (whole) and then fly off into the trees/brush.

A tiny Ruby-crowned kinglet hops across a deck looking for insects

How do Ruby-crowned Kinglets Behave?

If you are familiar with a Carolina Wren, and they way they move around, The Ruby-crowned Kinglets move in a similar fashion. They flap quickly, bounce from branch to branch with ease, and small flits of their feathers is all it takes to propel them out of sight. Have you ever seen a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet in person? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below!

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-Birds of West Cobb (Lisa & Dan)

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