Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

✨ Shiny — winter rarity
Winter only — roughly November through March✨ Shiny — winter rarity

The take

A nervous green fluffball that never stops flicking its wings; the ruby crown is a rare bonus.

How to ID it

  • Tiny olive-green bird with a bold white eyering and white wingbar over a black bar
  • Male's red crown patch is usually concealed
  • Flicks its wings almost constantly while moving restlessly through foliage

Field marks at a glance

Size
tiny
Head
plain olive with hidden ruby crown
Call
husky ji-dit

Where & when

Winter only — roughly November through March

Learn more

Sources