The Golden-crowned Kinglet and Ruby-crowned Kinglet are two very similar species of birds in the kinglet family Regulidae. They can be hard to distinguish from one another as they share a number of physical characteristics such as their small size, olive-green plumage, white eye-rings and bold white wingbars. However, there are some key differences between these two kinglets that can help birders identify them more reliably. In this article, we will explore the distinct features of each species and highlight how to tell a Golden-crowned Kinglet apart from a Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
Range and Habitat
The first area in which the Golden-crowned Kinglet and Ruby-crowned Kinglet differ is their range and preferred habitat.
The Golden-crowned Kinglet has the more northerly range, breeding across Canada, Alaska, the Pacific Northwest and New England. It winters primarily in the southern half of the United States and down into Central America. This kinglet favors coniferous forests, particularly spruce and fir, and is often found high up in the canopy.
The Ruby-crowned Kinglet has a more southerly distribution. It breeds across the northern United States and southern Canada, and winters along the southern U.S. border and southward into Mexico and Central America. The Ruby-crowned prefers deciduous and mixed forests with a dense understory. It forages closer to the ground than the Golden-crowned.
So in summary:
Species | Breeding Range | Winter Range | Preferred Habitat |
---|---|---|---|
Golden-crowned Kinglet | Canada, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, New England | Southern half of U.S., Central America | Coniferous forests, high canopy |
Ruby-crowned Kinglet | Northern U.S., Southern Canada | Southern U.S. border, Mexico, Central America | Deciduous and mixed forests, dense understory |
Knowing the range and habitat preferences of each species will help birders distinguish between them. If you spot a kinglet flitting high up in a spruce tree, it’s likely a Golden-crowned. One foraging in the shrubs of a deciduous forest is probably a Ruby-crowned.
Size and Shape
In addition to differences in range, Golden-crowned Kinglets and Ruby-crowned Kinglets show subtle variances in size and proportions:
– The Golden-crowned Kinglet is slightly smaller than the Ruby-crowned, measuring just 3.5-4 inches in length and weighing about 5-7 grams.
– It has a smaller head and thinner bill than the Ruby-crowned giving it a more petite overall appearance.
– The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is 4-4.5 inches in length and 6-10 grams in weight.
– It has a larger head and stouter bill than the Golden-crowned which contributes to its stockier shape.
– Both kinglets display the frenetic, darting motions characteristic of the family. Still, the Golden-crowned can appear even more hyperactive in its movements than the Ruby-crowned.
These minor differences in proportions can be difficult to discern at first glance. With practice, birders can train their eyes to recognize the Golden-crowned Kinglet’s slightly more compact frame and almost frantic energy. The Ruby-crowned looks a tad pudgier and less frenetically active by comparison.
Plumage
While the Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets share the same basic olive-green plumage and white wingbars, the most noticeable difference lies in their head markings:
Golden-crowned Kinglet
– Bright orange crown stripes bordered by black
– Bold white eye-ring
– Females have yellow crown stripes
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
– Dull olive head with no stripes
– Thin white eye-ring
– Males have a ruby-red crown patch (often hidden)
The vivid, distinctive head pattern makes the Golden-crowned Kinglet easier to recognize. TheRuby-crowned’s duller plumage can cause it to be overlooked until it reveals its namesake red crown. Juveniles of both species lack the vibrant crown markings.
Vocalizations
The calls and songs of these two kinglets also show clear differences:
Golden-crowned Kinglet:
– Call is a very high, thin “tsee”
– Song is a lively series of high-pitched trills and warbling notes
Ruby-crowned Kinglet:
– Call is a low, grunting “chut”
– Song is a hurried, jumbled series of whistles, chatters and buzzes
The Golden-crowned’s vocalizations are higher-pitched and more melodious than the Ruby-crowned’s. Becoming familiar with each species’ vocalizations makes identification much easier since these active birds don’t sit still for long!
Behavior
In their behavior, Golden-crowned Kinglets and Ruby-crowned Kinglets share the same habits typical of the family:
– Foraging actively in trees and shrubs
– Moving rapidly from branch to branch scanning for insects
– Near-constant flicking of wings and tail
– Quick, erratic flight patterns
However, the Golden-crowned exhibits these behaviors even more energetically and acrobatically than the Ruby-crowned:
– It hugs tree trunks and clings to branches more frequently while foraging.
– It dangles upside-down more often to probe for insects.
– Its wings and tail flicking is almost incessant.
So while their behavior is fundamentally similar, the Golden-crowned Kinglet consistently shows greater vigor, speed and dexterity in its movements. This can help distinguish it from the Ruby-crowned in the field.
Nesting
During breeding season, key differences can also be observed in the nesting habits of these two kinglets:
Golden-crowned Kinglet
– Nests very high in conifers, usually spruce or fir
– Female builds compact, deeply cupped nest
– Lays 8-12 eggs
– Incubation period is 12-16 days
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
– Nests lower down in a variety of trees
– Nest is a looser cup or pouch of mosses, bark, spiderwebs
– Lays 5-11 eggs
– Incubation period is 15-17 days
The Golden-crowned constructs a tidy, well-hidden nest high in its preferred conifers. The Ruby-crowned’s nest is larger but more haphazardly assembled lower in a diversity of trees. These distinctions in their nest sites and construction can help identify which species you are observing during the breeding season.
Conclusion
In summary, while the Golden-crowned Kinglet and Ruby-crowned Kinglet share numerous physical similarities that can make differentiating between them tricky, paying attention to key characteristics will enable confident identification:
Golden-crowned Kinglet
– More northern range in coniferous forests
– Slightly smaller with a smaller head and bill
– Very active, acrobatic movements
– Bright orange and black crown stripes
– High, thin vocalizations
– Cup-shaped nest high in conifers
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
– More southern range in deciduous/mixed forests
– Slightly larger with a bigger head and bill
– Less frenetically active
– Dull olive head with ruby crown (often hidden)
– Lower, buzzier vocalizations
– Loose, mossy nest lower in trees
Armed with knowledge of their distinguishing features, bird enthusiasts can readily differentiate between a Golden-crowned Kinglet flitting through northern spruce woods and a Ruby-crowned Kinglet foraging among southern deciduous trees. Careful observation and listening are key to identifying these active, adaptable kinglets. With practice, telling these two similar species apart will become second nature.