Golden-crowned kinglet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Golden-crowned kinglet |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| In Canada | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
 |
|
| Range map of the golden-crowned kinglet. The breeding range is highlighted in orange, the migration range in yellow, the non-breeding range in blue, and the year-round range in purple. |
The golden-crowned kinglet (Regulus satrapa) is a very small songbird. It belongs to the family Regulidae. These tiny birds live across much of North America. They are known for the bright yellow and orange patch on their heads. This patch looks like a tiny crown!
Contents
What Does a Golden-crowned Kinglet Look Like?
Golden-crowned kinglets are small birds. Their backs are olive-gray, and their undersides are white. They have thin beaks and short tails. You can spot them by the white bars on their wings. They also have a black stripe that goes through their eyes.
The most special part is their head. They have a yellow crown surrounded by black. Male kinglets have an extra orange patch in the middle of this yellow crown. Young kinglets look similar to adults. However, their backs are a bit browner. They also don't have the yellow crown yet.
This bird is one of the smallest passerines in North America. It is usually about 8 to 11 centimeters (3 to 4.3 inches) long. Its wingspan is about 14 to 18 centimeters (5.5 to 7.1 inches). Females weigh around 6.1 grams (0.22 ounces). Males are slightly heavier at 6.3 grams (0.22 ounces).
What Do Golden-crowned Kinglets Eat?
Golden-crowned kinglets are insectivores. This means they eat insects. They search for food in trees and bushes. Their diet includes insects like caterpillars. They also eat insect eggs and spiders.
These birds make high-pitched calls. It sounds like a series of single notes. They are often not afraid of people. You might be able to get quite close to them!
Where Do Golden-crowned Kinglets Live?
The golden-crowned kinglet is a common migratory bird. It lives across North America. During the breeding season, they live in coniferous forests. These forests are found in Canada, the northeastern and western United States, Mexico, and Central America.
When winter comes, many kinglets fly south. They migrate to the United States for the non-breeding season. Some kinglets stay in the same place all year. These are usually found in coastal areas. They also live in the southern parts of their range. Kinglets from the north tend to stay further north in winter.
The Kinglet Family
.jpg)
Kinglets are a small group of birds. They are sometimes thought of as part of the "Old World warbler" family. However, scientists now often give them their own family status. This is because recent research shows they are quite different from warblers.
The name of their family, Regulidae, comes from a Latin word. The word is regulus. It means "a little king." This name refers to the bright orange or yellow crowns of adult kinglets. These crowns look like tiny royal crowns!
There are different types of golden-crowned kinglets. These are called subspecies. They can look slightly different. Some are bigger or smaller. Their beaks might be longer or shorter. Their back and rump colors can also vary. These differences help scientists tell them apart. They also live in slightly different areas across North America.
