Kinglets are small, active songbirds found throughout North America. There are two main species of kinglets in North America – the Ruby-crowned Kinglet and the Golden-crowned Kinglet. Kinglets are not currently considered endangered, though some populations have experienced declines in recent decades.
Quick Facts on Kinglets
- Kinglets are in the genus Regulus and family Regulidae.
- They are among the smallest songbirds in North America, weighing only 4-7 grams.
- There are around 7 recognized species of kinglets globally.
- In North America, the main species are the Ruby-crowned Kinglet and the Golden-crowned Kinglet.
- Kinglets are highly active foragers, constantly moving through branches and foliage in search of small insects and spiders.
- They have thin, pointed bills adapted for gleaning insects from leaves and crevices.
- Kinglets build compact, cup-shaped nests high up in conifers or mixed forests.
- They lay large clutches of 6-12 eggs and often raise 2-3 broods per year.
- Kinglets produce loud, complex songs and calls that carry surprisingly far for such small birds.
Population Status and Conservation
The global populations of most kinglet species appear stable and they are classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, some local populations have seen concerning declines, particularly in parts of Canada:
- The Golden-crowned Kinglet population in Canada fell by 78% between 1970 and 2012, according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey.
- In the boreal forest habitats of Alberta, Golden-crowned Kinglets declined by 4.6% annually from 1968 to 2015.
- Ruby-crowned Kinglets declined significantly across Canada during the late 1900s but have rebounded somewhat since 2000.
- Habitat loss in the boreal forests and wintering grounds is believed to be the main threat facing kinglets.
Despite population declines, kinglets remain widespread and common overall. They are not currently considered near threatened or endangered. However, continued monitoring is recommended to ensurehealthy kinglet populations into the future.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
The Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) breeds across Canada and the northern United States. It winters in the southern half of the U.S. and south to Central America. Here are some key facts about this species:
- Length: 9-11 cm
- Weight: 4-6 grams
- The male has a bright red crown patch that is usually concealed but raised when agitated or courting.
- Ruby-crowns have gray-green upperparts and white underparts.
- They forage actively in trees and shrubs, sometimes joining mixed flocks.
- Diet consists mainly of insects and spiders gleaned from foliage.
- The nest is an open cup built up to 65 feet high in a conifer.
- Clutch size is 6-11 eggs, with 2-3 broods per season.
- Calls include a thin, high-pitched squeaking and a musical series of whistles and warbles.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet Conservation Status
The Ruby-crowned Kinglet has an extensive breeding range estimated at 5.5 million square kilometers. Its global population size has not been quantified but is believed to be large. Partners in Flight estimate a breeding population of 19 million and give it a Continental Concern Score of 13/20, indicating it is not a species of high conservation concern. Audubon considers the Ruby-crowned Kinglet to be climate threatened, meaning its range may shift and contract due to global warming. Overall, however, this kinglet remains common and widespread.
Golden-crowned Kinglet
The Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) also breeds across Canada and the northern U.S., migrating to winter across the southern half of the country. Here are some key facts:
- Length: 10-12 cm
- Weight: 4-5 grams
- Males have a bright yellow-orange crown stripe bordered by black.
- Females and juveniles have a yellow crown.
- Forages actively in conifers for insects, spiders, and sap.
- Nest is a covered cup built up to 100 feet high in a conifer.
- Lays 8-10 eggs, with 2-3 broods per season.
- Musical, buzzy song and call notes.
Golden-crowned Kinglet Conservation Status
The Golden-crowned Kinglet has experienced more significant population declines than the Ruby-crowned. However, its breeding range still covers an estimated 4.5 million square kilometers. The global population is unknown but believed to be large. Partners in Flight give it a Continental Concern Score of 13/20. While declining in parts of Canada, overall the Golden-crowned Kinglet remains a common species with a large range.
Threats and Conservation Actions
While not currently endangered, some key threats facing kinglets include:
- Habitat loss in boreal forests from logging and fires.
- Climate change impacts on boreal forests.
- Loss of wintering grounds habitat.
- Poorer breeding success in fragmented forests.
Conservation actions that could benefit kinglets include:
- Protection of remaining intact boreal forest habitats.
- Sustainable forestry practices in boreal regions.
- Preserving connectivity between forest patches.
- Monitoring kinglet populations and responses to habitat changes.
- Research into effects of climate change on boreal forests and kinglet breeding.
Conclusion
Kinglets face threats from habitat loss and climate change, especially in Canada’s boreal forests. However, they remain relatively common and widespread overall. Ongoing monitoring and habitat conservation will be important to ensure healthy kinglet populations into the future. They are not currently considered endangered or near threatened species.