The golden-crowned kinglet is a very small songbird in the family Regulidae that lives throughout much of North America.
Region
North America
Typical Environment
Breeds widely in boreal and montane coniferous forests from Alaska and Canada south into the northern and western United States. In winter it spreads across much of the United States and into highlands of northern Mexico. Prefers spruce, fir, hemlock, and other dense conifers, but uses mixed woods and parks during migration. Often forages in the outer canopy and along needle clusters. Readily joins mixed-species flocks in winter.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The golden-crowned kinglet is one of North America’s smallest songbirds yet endures remarkably harsh winters by huddling and maintaining high metabolic rates. Males show a hidden orange center in the yellow crown that flares during display. Nests are deep, well-insulated cups suspended high in conifers, often holding large clutches. Their thin, high-pitched calls can be difficult for some listeners to hear.
The golden-crowned kinglet is generally similar to the related ruby-crowned kinglet
The golden-crowned kinglet is a non-breeding resident in the winter in North Carolina
Golden-crowned kinglet hanging from an Eastern juniper (Juniperus virginiana)
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent hovering-gleans
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season they travel in small groups and commonly join mixed-species foraging flocks. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season, building a deep, well-insulated nest suspended from a conifer branch. Clutches are large for such a small bird, and both parents feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a very high, accelerating series of thin tsee notes culminating in a rapid trill. Calls are extremely high-pitched see-see-see, often at the upper limit of human hearing. Vocalizations carry surprisingly well through conifer canopies.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with pale grayish underparts, two bold whitish wing bars, and a bright crown patch bordered by black stripes. Feathers are short and sleek, giving a compact, puffball appearance in cold weather.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects, larvae, and spiders gleaned from conifer needles and twigs. Often probes into needle clusters and bark crevices, and will hover briefly to pick prey from foliage. In winter it may take tiny eggs or pupae of insects and occasionally visits suet. It does not rely on seeds.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the outer canopy of spruce, fir, hemlock, and other dense conifers, especially near branch tips. During migration and winter it also uses mixed forests, shelterbelts, and urban conifer plantings. Frequently accompanies chickadees, nuthatches, and other small songbirds.
