The Golden-crowned Kinglet and the Goldcrest are two similar-looking songbirds that belong to the same family Regulidae. However, they are different species with some key distinctions. This article will compare the two birds in terms of physical features, distribution, habitat, diet and behavior to help clarify their relationship.
Physical Features
The Golden-crowned Kinglet and Goldcrest share some physical similarities that can make them hard to distinguish in the field. They are both very small songbirds, averaging just 4-5 inches in length and weighing 5-10 grams. They have greenish upperparts, pale underparts, a long thin bill and a very short notched tail.
However, there are some key physical differences:
- The most noticeable difference is that the Golden-crowned Kinglet has an orange and yellow crown stripe, while the Goldcrest has an orange and yellow crest.
- The Golden-crowned Kinglet has bold white “eyebrows” over its eyes, while the Goldcrest lacks these markings.
- The Goldcrest has more extensive black and white markings on its face.
- The Golden-crowned Kinglet has a greyer nape and mantle compared to the more olive-green upperparts of the Goldcrest.
So in summary, while very similar, the crown vs crest and eyebrow markings help distinguish these species in the field when seen well. Other more subtle differences in proportions and plumage coloration can also aid identification for experienced birders.
Distribution
The Golden-crowned Kinglet and Goldcrest have distinct geographical breeding and wintering ranges:
Golden-crowned Kinglet
- Breeds across Canada, Alaska and the northern United States.
- Winters across the southern half of the United States and south into Mexico and Central America.
Goldcrest
- Breeds across Europe and into temperate Asia.
- Winters in Europe and north Africa.
So while there is no overlap between their breeding ranges, they may rarely mix during winter in a very limited area of the southern United States. But in general their distributions keep them quite isolated from each other.
Habitat
Both species utilize coniferous forests, especially areas with many evergreens.
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Favors mature coniferous forests with a dense canopy. Requires trees for foraging and nesting. Found at all elevations within its range.
Goldcrest
Occupies a wider variety of coniferous and mixed woodlands. Can utilize smaller trees and scrubbier growth than the kinglet. Occurs across a range of elevations.
So while both rely on conifers, the Goldcrest is a bit more of a habitat generalist compared to the Golden-crowned Kinglet which strongly favors mature, dense stands.
Diet
The diets of these two species are nearly identical, consisting of small insects and spiders gleaned from the dense foliage of conifers.
Common prey items
- Aphids
- Moth larvae
- Beetles
- Flies
- Sawfly larvae
- Spiders
Both have a specialized feeding technique to search for prey in dense tangles of needles and twigs. They move quickly, hover and hang upside down while probing into crevices.
So overall, the diets and foraging behaviors of these two species are essentially identical. There are no notable differences in their feeding ecology.
Behavior
The Golden-crowned Kinglet and Goldcrest share many behavioral traits in common.
Foraging and Movement
Both species:
- Forage actively in foliage from mid to upper canopy
- Frequently hover and hang upside-down while foraging
- Join mixed-species foraging flocks after breeding season
- Perform regular scolding calls and chatter vocalizations
- Stay on the move constantly when feeding
Breeding
Both species:
- Are monogamous and maintain breeding pairs
- Build small cup nests high in conifers, often near treetops
- Lay average clutch size of 7-9 eggs
- Have one brood per year
- Females perform all incubation and brooding
So in terms of breeding ecology and general behavior, the two species share essentially all major traits and habits. There are no substantial behavioral differences between the Golden-crowned Kinglet and Goldcrest.
Taxonomy
While extremely similar, the Golden-crowned Kinglet and Goldcrest are considered separate species based on:
- Sufficient physical differences in plumage
- Non-overlapping breeding ranges
- Slight differences in calls and songs
- No interbreeding where winter ranges overlap
They are classified in the same genus Regulus but separate species groups:
- Golden-crowned Kinglet – Regulus satrapa
- Goldcrest – Regulus regulus
Some authorities occasionally place them in their own separate monotypic genera, but most today agree they are closely related enough to be retained in Regulus. But despite their similarities, they are definitively separate species based on behavioral and distributional isolation.
Conclusion
In summary, the Golden-crowned Kinglet and Goldcrest are very similar small songbirds that occupy comparable ecological niches in North America and Eurasia. While they can appear nearly identical at first glance, important differences in physical features, geographic ranges, and scientific classification confirm they are distinct species with no interbreeding. Being able to distinguish between these two regal-looking sprites takes careful attention, but their markings, songs and favored habitats offer key identifiers. So next time you come across a tiny green songbird in the conifers, listen and look closely for those subtle clues that reveal a Golden-crowned Kinglet or Goldcrest.