Ruby-crowned Kinglet vs Golden-crowned Kinglet

In short

To distinguish between the Ruby-crowned Kinglet and the Golden-crowned Kinglet, focus on the crown markings: the Ruby-crowned Kinglet has a scarlet crown patch (usually concealed), while the Golden-crowned Kinglet displays a bright yellow crown with black borders. Both species are small and active, but their crown colors are the most reliable field marks.

Identification tips

1. Look for the crown color: Ruby-crowned Kinglet has a scarlet patch (often hidden), while Golden-crowned Kinglet has a bright yellow crown with black borders. 2. Observe the eye-ring: Ruby-crowned has a broken white eye-ring, while Golden-crowned has a more continuous white supercilium. 3. Note the habitat: Ruby-crowned is more likely in a wider range of habitats during migration and winter. 4. Listen for vocalizations if visible identification is challenging.

Size

Both species are similarly small, but the Ruby-crowned Kinglet is slightly larger.

Plumage

The Ruby-crowned Kinglet has olive green-gray upperparts with two strong white wing-bars and a broken white eye-ring. The Golden-crowned Kinglet also has olive-green upperparts but is distinguished by its bright yellow crown bordered by black and a more prominent white supercilium.

Behaviour

Both species are active and often flick their wings. The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is noted for its constant wing-flicking.

Habitat

Both species inhabit coniferous forests, but the Ruby-crowned Kinglet breeds farther north and winters farther south than the Golden-crowned Kinglet.

Voice

The Ruby-crowned Kinglet's song is a series of high-pitched notes, while the Golden-crowned Kinglet's song is a series of high-pitched, thin calls. Their calls can be difficult to distinguish without experience.