Sterne de Forster vs Roitelet à couronne rubis

Forster's Tern and Ruby-crowned Kinglet are easily distinguished by their size and habitat preferences. Forster's Tern is a larger marsh bird, while the Ruby-crowned Kinglet is a small songbird often found in forests. Their plumage and behavior also differ significantly.

Size and habitat are the most reliable identifiers: Forster's Tern is larger and found in marshes, while Ruby-crowned Kinglet is smaller and found in forests. Look for the kinglet's constant wing-flicking and the male's scarlet crown patch when visible.

Forster's Tern is much larger than the Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

Forster's Tern has a sleek, white and gray plumage typical of terns, while the Ruby-crowned Kinglet is olive green-gray with two white wing-bars and a broken white eye-ring. The male kinglet has a concealed scarlet crown patch.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet is known for its constant wing-flicking, unlike the Forster's Tern.

Forster's Tern is primarily found in marshes and coastal areas, whereas the Ruby-crowned Kinglet occupies spruce-fir forests and a variety of habitats during migration and winter.