photographs by Douglas Herr

Sacramento County: Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Corthylio calendula)

Field identification tips: Tiny and very active, the Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Corthylio calendula) is hard to mistake for any other species when the male's bright red crown feathers are revealed. Female C. calendula does not have these red crown feathers, and even the male does not reveal these feathers unless he is agitated or excited. This bird is olive-green overall with an incomplete white eye ring, yellow feet and a single white wing bar bordered with black. Also note the yellow edges on the wing and tail flight feathers. Typical range: This bird breeds in the far north and western mountains of North America and winters from the temperate Pacific Coast south to Mexico, and east in the southern states to the Atlantic Ocean. Populations breeding in the western mountains may migrate only a short distance downslope to lower elevations. Habitat: C. calendula breeds in mature forests and winters in wooded or shrubby habitats including suburban yards.