Winter Bird

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Regulus calendula

Kinglets return to my area in early to mid September. By early November, the last bird has flown south. In fall, I hear mostly the chattering calls, but once in awhile a partial song, as though from a youngster trying out its voice, rings through the woods. At this time of year, both the ruby-crown and its cousin, the golden-crowned kinglet, often forage with other small birds, such as chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, vireos, and warblers.

Fifty Common Birds of the Upper Midwest, watercolors by Dana Gardner, text by Nancy Overcott