Golden-crowned Kinglet

We have begun to see small flocks of Golden-crowned Kinglets (Regulus satrapa) return to North Lookout for the season. These common songbirds are tiny, smaller than a chickadee, and have a distinguishing black stripe with a patch of bright yellow on the top of their heads. The rest of their body is olive-gray with white underparts. Golden-crowned kinglets prefer dense coniferous forest habitats and can be found high in the canopy, making them hard to spot. Listen for their ascending-note song and high-pitched call that is used to keep in constant communication with members of their group as they forage. 

Photo by Bill Moses.