One of North America's smallest birds, the Ruby-crowned Kinglet can be recognized by its constant wing-flicking. The male shows its red crown only infrequently.

Interesting Information

• The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is a tiny bird that lays a very large clutch of eggs. Although the eggs themselves weigh only 0.65 g (0.02 oz), an entire clutch can weigh as much as the female herself.

• The Ruby-crowned Kinglet was described in 1766 by Linnaeus; its generic name is Latin for 'little king'.

• It differs sufficiently in its voice and plumage from other kinglets that it is occasionally afforded its own genus, Corthylio.

• They feed lower in the canopy than the Golden-crowned and characteristically hovers above a twig looking for caterpillars, aphids, and other insects.

• A group of kinglets has many collective nouns, including a "castle", "court", "princedom", and "dynasty" of kinglets.

Description