Regulus satrapa Lichtenstein, 1823

Nomenclature

This species is the golden-crowned kinglet, with the scientific name Regulus satrapa Lichtenstein, 1823.

Adult General Plumage

Adult golden-crowned kinglets have olive-gray upperparts, white underparts, thin bills, and short tails. They have white wing bars, a black stripe running through their eyes, and a yellow crown bordered by black.

Adult Male Plumage

Adult males have an additional orange patch in the center of the yellow crown.

Juvenile Plumage

Juveniles look similar to adults, but have a browner back and lack the yellow crown.

Size Classification

Golden-crowned kinglets are one of the smallest passerines found in North America.

Body Length

They measure 8 to 11 cm (3.1 to 4.3 inches) in length, making them likely the shortest of any American passerine species.

Weight

Their weight averages 6.1 g (0.22 oz) for females and 6.3 g (0.22 oz) for males, and ranges from 4.5 to 7.8 g (0.16 to 0.28 oz) overall, which is similar to the weight of the American bushtit and black-tailed gnatcatcher.

Wingspan

This species has a wingspan of 14 to 18 cm (5.5 to 7.1 in).

Overall Distribution

The golden-crowned kinglet is a widespread migratory bird that occurs across North America.

Breeding Habitat

Its breeding habitat consists of coniferous forests across Canada, the northeastern and western United States, Mexico, and Central America.

Non-breeding Range

During the non-breeding season, this species migrates to the United States. Some individuals are permanent residents in coastal regions and in the southern parts of the species' range.

Winter Range Comparison

Northern populations of golden-crowned kinglet stay further north during winter than ruby-crowned kinglets.

Foraging Behavior

The golden-crowned kinglet is an insectivorous bird that forages in trees and shrubs.

Diet

It feeds primarily on insects (especially caterpillars), insect eggs, and spiders.

Vocalization and Human Interaction

It produces a series of high-pitched calls all on a single note, and generally does not avoid approaching humans.

Nest Structure

Its nest is a well-concealed hanging cup shape, suspended from a conifer branch.

Winter Behavior

Golden-crowned kinglets may huddle tightly together when they overwinter.