Winter Encounters with the Timid Ruby-Crowned Kinglet

For any amateur photographer or backyard birder, it seems like a pretty daunting task. The speed at which the timid Ruby-Crowned Kinglets fly in, grab a bite to eat and then disappear into the brush is absolutely astounding. For weeks I struggled to snap a few photos that were even remotely shareable to the general public! I am of the opinion that these Ruby-Crowned Kinglets are actually just teasing me and other photographers.

A Ruby-crowned Kinglet perches in some brush

The funny thing is that while we carry bird food and mealworms out to the feeders in the morning, the Kinglet will often fly right next to us and perch on the deck railing... As if to say "thanks for the food, human!". However, as soon as the camera comes out... Poof, they are gone!

A tiny Ruby-crowned Kinglet tries to decide on which suet nugget to eat

We have found that these birds enjoy eating dried mealworm crumbles, (leftovers, or broken pieces of dried mealworms that the other birds didn't bother with) or little chunks of C&S Suet nuggets, but they won't eat any of the seeds that we put out. This includes Safflower, hulled Sunflower, peanut mix and more. Another thing we have noticed, they will drink water but they are intimidated easily by all of the larger birds so we have to put out smaller water plates for them.

Ruby-crowned Kinglets visit Marietta, Georgia

The Ruby-Crowned Kinglet is a tiny bird, about the same size as a Carolina Chickadee. We don't see them on or near the feeders in Spring or Summer, but when the weather is chilly and insects are scarce, we see one or two of these charming little birds every morning and sometimes in the evenings as well.

A Ruby-crowned Kinglet shows off his crown in the bright sunlight

The Ruby-Crowned Kinglet could be confused with a dull winter Pine Warbler from a distance, but once you see their "crown" which is typically bright red/orange, you'll know that it is something more special!

They are generally a dull brownish/grey or greyish-yellow color with a bit of brighter yellow accents on the wings and tail.

A tiny Ruby-crowned kinglet hops across a deck looking for insects

If you are familiar with a Carolina Wren, and they way they move around, Kinglets move in a similar fashion. They flap quickly, bounce from branch to branch with easy, and small flits of their feathers is all it takes to propel them out of sight. Have you ever seen a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet in person? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below!

-Birds of West Cobb (Lisa & Dan)

Thanks for reading!