Birdr

Grey-backed Tern vs Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Onychoprion lunatus versus Corthylio calendula

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Grey-backed Tern (Onychoprion lunatus) Grey-backed Tern
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Corthylio calendula) Ruby-crowned Kinglet

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In short

The Grey-backed Tern and Ruby-crowned Kinglet are vastly different in appearance and habitat. The Grey-backed Tern is a seabird with a grey back and white underparts, while the Ruby-crowned Kinglet is a small songbird with olive-green plumage and a distinctive red crown patch in males. These species are unlikely to be confused in the field due to their differing environments and behaviors.

Identification tips

  1. Location: Grey-backed Terns are found near oceanic islands, while Ruby-crowned Kinglets are in forests and varied habitats during migration. 2. Size and Shape: Terns are larger with long wings and tails; kinglets are small and round. 3. Plumage: Look for the grey back in terns and the olive-green body with wing-bars in kinglets. 4. Behavior: Terns are often in flocks; kinglets flick their wings constantly. 5. Vocalization: Listen for the kinglet's high-pitched song.

Size

The Grey-backed Tern is significantly larger than the Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

Plumage

The Grey-backed Tern has a grey back and white underparts, typical of terns, while the Ruby-crowned Kinglet is olive-green with two white wing-bars and a white eye-ring. The male kinglet has a hidden red crown patch.

Behaviour

Grey-backed Terns are often seen in flocks near coastal areas, while Ruby-crowned Kinglets are solitary or in small groups, constantly flicking their wings.

Habitat

Grey-backed Terns inhabit remote Pacific islands and coastal areas, whereas Ruby-crowned Kinglets are found in spruce-fir forests and a variety of habitats during migration.

Voice

The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is known for its complex, high-pitched song, while the Grey-backed Tern's calls are typical of terns, but specific vocalizations are not well-documented.

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The Grey-backed Tern and Ruby-crowned Kinglet are vastly different in appearance and habitat. The Grey-backed Tern is a seabird with a grey back and white underparts, while the Ruby-crowned Kinglet is a small songbird with olive-green plumage and a distinctive red crown patch in males. These species are unlikely to be confused in the field due to their differing environments and behaviors.

  1. Location: Grey-backed Terns are found near oceanic islands, while Ruby-crowned Kinglets are in forests and varied habitats during migration. 2. Size and Shape: Terns are larger with long wings and tails; kinglets are small and round. 3. Plumage: Look for the grey back in terns and the olive-green body with wing-bars in kinglets. 4. Behavior: Terns are often in flocks; kinglets flick their wings constantly. 5. Vocalization: Listen for the kinglet's high-pitched song.

The Grey-backed Tern is significantly larger than the Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

The Grey-backed Tern has a grey back and white underparts, typical of terns, while the Ruby-crowned Kinglet is olive-green with two white wing-bars and a white eye-ring. The male kinglet has a hidden red crown patch.

Grey-backed Terns are often seen in flocks near coastal areas, while Ruby-crowned Kinglets are solitary or in small groups, constantly flicking their wings.

Grey-backed Terns inhabit remote Pacific islands and coastal areas, whereas Ruby-crowned Kinglets are found in spruce-fir forests and a variety of habitats during migration.

The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is known for its complex, high-pitched song, while the Grey-backed Tern's calls are typical of terns, but specific vocalizations are not well-documented.

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Grey-backed Tern · Ruby-crowned Kinglet · My Tricky Birds