Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Regulus calendula


Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglets are common wintering birds in the SF Bay Area; they sometimes allow close approach, but they are very small and constantly moving, and not the easiest to capture out in the open for photographs. They are surprisingly similar in appearance to Hutton's Vireo, but have smaller sharp-pointed bills, and dark feathering below the larger wingbar. The song of the Ruby-crowned Kinglet is lengthy and complex, melodic, and surprisingly loud for such a small bird. We hear it in the SF Bay Area in spring, shortly before the birds depart for their breeding grounds. Before that, during their winter residence, their common vocalization is a je-dit-dit-dit call.
 

Ruby-crowned Kinglet


Ruby-crowned Kinglet
 


Ruby-crowned Kinglet, male
The male's red crown feathers for which the species is named are often completely concealed,
and when they appear it is usually as a narrow red strip; the full display shown above is a
rare sight.


Ruby-crowned Kinglet


Ruby-crowned Kinglet


Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Preparing to feed on a persimmon, already much nibbled.


Ruby-crowned Kinglet