Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Passeriformes Family: Regulidae Genus: Regulus
Species: Regulus calendula
The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is one of the smallest birds in North America, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in energy. It is usually quiet, but during breeding season, the males sing quite loudly. It flits to and fro in quick, almost nervous movements, and research has shown that this tiny bird burns only 10 calories per day. When nesting, the Ruby-crowned kinglet chooses remote areas and can nest up to 100 feet high. Because of this nesting habit, little is known about this bird’s other nesting habits other than that it lays 5-12 eggs per clutch and 1 clutch per year.
Conservation status: Least concern
Description: Olive-green plumage with two white bars and a white ring around each eye; males have a red crest on their head; one of the smallest birds in North America
Length: 4 inches
Wingspan: 7 inches
Diet: Includes insects, spiders, berries, and tree sap
Habitat: Parks, woodlands, and brushy areas
Season: Fall-Spring
Credit source: Cornell lab of Ornithology
