The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is a tiny bundle of nervous energy, forever flicking its wings as it hops through branches in search of insects. Plain olive-gray with two white wing bars and a bold white eye-ring, the male hides a scarlet crown patch that stays concealed until he raises it in excitement — a startling flash of red on an otherwise modest bird. For its size, its song is astonishingly loud and rich, a tumbling warble that seems far too big for the singer.
Most Michiganders meet this kinglet in migration, when it pours through in April and again in fall, foraging low in gardens, thickets, and woodland edges alongside warblers and sparrows. A smaller number breed in the spruce and fir forests of the Upper Peninsula. The constant wing-flicking, small size, and split-second flash of red crown make it one of the more distinctive migrants to learn.
Feeds mostly on small insects, spiders, and their eggs gleaned from foliage and hovered from branch tips. In colder weather it adds berries, tree sap, and small amounts of seed, and will occasionally visit suet at feeders during migration.
Constant, rapid wing-flicking is a signature behavior of the Ruby-crowned Kinglet, useful for telling it apart from similar small birds. The reason is not fully understood, but it may help flush insects or signal alertness.
Only when the male is agitated or displaying. Most of the time the scarlet patch is hidden under gray feathers, and the bird looks plain — then it flares up in a sudden burst of red.
During migration, especially April and again from late September into October, when they are common in gardens, thickets, and woodland edges throughout the state.
Other birds you might be looking at instead.
Pick the park — it takes less than ten seconds.
Start typing the bird's name, then pick it from the list.
Suggest a birding spot to add to the map. I'll review it before it appears.
Thanks! Your suggestion has been sent for review.
Found something wrong or out of date? Tell me what to fix — it goes straight to my inbox. (No email needed.)
Thank you — your note is on its way. I appreciate the help keeping this accurate.