Florida is home to a diverse array of bird species, both resident and migratory. Among the smallest birds found in Florida are three species of tiny blue-grey songbirds: the Blue-grey Gnatcatcher, the Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and the Golden-crowned Kinglet. These tiny jewels of the avian world flit through forests and woodlands, gleaning insects from foliage as they go. Their diminutive size and energetic habits make them a delight to observe.
Blue-grey Gnatcatcher
The Blue-grey Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) is a member of the gnatcatcher family. It is a small songbird, measuring only 4.3–5.1 in (11–13 cm) in length with a wingspan of 6.3 in (16 cm) and weighing just 0.2–0.3 oz (5.8–8.5 g). As the name suggests, the upperparts of the Blue-grey Gnatcatcher are a slate blue-grey color. The tail is long and black with white outer tail feathers. The underparts are white. The male has a distinctive black cap during breeding season. The diet consists primarily of insects and other small arthropods.
The Blue-grey Gnatcatcher breeds across much of the eastern and southcentral United States, including all of Florida. It is a year-round resident species in Florida. Preferred breeding habitats include open deciduous and mixed forests, pine forests, orchards, and wooded suburban areas.
The nest of the Blue-grey Gnatcatcher is a delicate cup made of plant fibers, spider silk, lichen, and bark. It is placed on a tree branch, usually high up in a tree. The female lays 3-6 eggs which are incubated for 13-15 days. Both parents feed the hatchlings. Young birds will leave the nest at 13-15 days old but remain dependent on the parents for another couple weeks.
Blue-grey Gnatcatchers are active foragers, searching tree branches and leaves for small insects and spiders. They may be observed hovering as they pick insects off foliage. Their frequent short flights while foraging give them an energetic appearance. Their call is a meek, nasal mew. Though diminutive, they are feisty and will chase off larger birds that encroach on their territory.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
The Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) earns its common name from the brilliant red crown patch found on the male. When agitated, the male raises the feathers on its head to reveal this bright ruby-red stripe; at other times the crown patch is concealed. This species measures just 3.5-4.3 in (9-11 cm) in length with a wingspan of 5.9-7.5 in (15-19 cm) and weight of 0.2-0.4 oz (5-11 g).
The Ruby-crowned Kinglet breeds across Canada and the western United States. Eastern populations migrate to the southeastern coastal states for winter, including all of Florida. So in Florida, the Ruby-crowned Kinglet can be observed year-round, both as a breeding summer resident and winter migrant.
This kinglet shows a strong preference for coniferous forests. In winter, it expands its habitat selection to include mixed forests and wooded swamps. It gleans insects from foliage while flitting actively among branches. It also eats some berries and tree sap.
The nest is an intricately woven cup attached to tree branches high up in a conifer. The female lays 5-12 eggs which she incubates for 14-16 days. The young leave the nest at 15-18 days old. Both parents feed and care for the young.
Ruby-crowned Kinglets are energetic little birds, constantly in motion as they forage. Their frequent flight calls are high-pitched. They are aggressive toward other kinglets but timid around larger birds. In winter, they may join mixed flocks with chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers.
Golden-crowned Kinglet
The Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) is closely related to the Ruby-crowned. As the name suggests, its crown has a distinctive orange-yellow central stripe bordered by black. This species is slightly smaller at 3.5-4.3 in (9-11 cm) long with a 6.3-7.5 in (16-19 cm) wingspan and weight of 0.2-0.4 oz (4.5-10.5 g).
The Golden-crowned Kinglet breeds across Canada and the western and northeastern United States. It migrates to the southeastern states, including all of Florida, to spend the winter. In Florida it occupies a niche similar to the Ruby-crowned, inhabiting coniferous forests in winter after breeding in boreal forests farther north.
Foraging habits are much like the Ruby-crowned, gleaning insects from foliage while flitting actively amongst branches. Its call is a high, repeated zee-zee-zee. The nest is a suspended cup in a conifer tree. The female lays 8-12 eggs and incubates them for 12-14 days. After a further 12-18 days nestling period, the young leave the nest.
Identification
These three small blue-grey kinglet and gnatcatcher species can be challenging to differentiate as they share similar size, coloration, and habits. However, there are some distinguishing field marks.
The Blue-grey Gnatcatcher is identified by its blue-grey coloration, white eye ring, and long black-and-white tail. It lacks any distinctive crown markings.
The Ruby-crowned Kinglet has an indistinct face pattern, two white wing bars, and on the male, the namesake red crown stripe when raised.
The Golden-crowned Kinglet has a bold facial pattern of black bordering a yellow-orange central crown stripe and a darker grey back than the Ruby-crowned.
Species | Size | Distinctive Markings | Habitat |
---|---|---|---|
Blue-grey Gnatcatcher | 4.3-5.1 in long | White eye ring, long black-and-white tail | Open deciduous and mixed forests, woodlands |
Ruby-crowned Kinglet | 3.5-4.3 in long | On male, red crown stripe when raised | Coniferous and mixed forests |
Golden-crowned Kinglet | 3.5-4.3 in long | Bold facial pattern, yellow-orange stripe on crown | Coniferous forests |
Behavior
Despite some subtle physical differences, these species share many behavioral and ecological similarities due to their small size.
All three are year-round residents in Florida, though the kinglets migrate from farther north. The gnatcatcher is non-migratory.
They frequent forests, especially coniferous, where they forage actively among branches for insects and spiders. They build delicate cup nests high in trees.
Their breeding ecology is similar, with clutches of 5-12 eggs incubated for about 2 weeks. Nestlings leave the nest 2-3 weeks after hatching.
These species are insectivorous. They glean insects and spiders from leaves and branches as they move quickly through foliage. They also occasionally eat berries and tree sap.
Their frequent flight calls while foraging give them an energetic, excitable appearance. Despite their very small size, they are feisty and will chase off larger birds.
Conservation Status
None of these species are considered threatened or endangered. Population trends appear stable, though some localized declines have been noted, particularly for the Golden-crowned Kinglet at the southern extent of its range.
Loss of wintering habitat in the southeastern United States is a potential concern. Maintaining healthy mature coniferous and mixed forests will benefit these species. Climate change may also impact habitat suitability in the future.
Overall, these tiny songbirds remain fairly common throughout their range. Their energetic presence in Florida’s forests provides a spark of life during the winter months. Protecting areas of woodland habitat will ensure future opportunities to observe these delightful little sprites.
Conclusion
The Blue-grey Gnatcatcher, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and Golden-crowned Kinglet are three diminutive blue-grey songbirds that grace Florida’s forests year-round. Though similar in appearance, some subtle distinguishing features help identify each species. All three forage actively among branches, feasting on insects and spiders. Their frequent flight calls, energetic habits, delicately crafted nests, and feisty attitudes provide interest out of proportion to their tiny stature. Maintaining healthy mature forests will ensure the continuity of these captivating components of Florida’s avifauna.