The golden-crowned kinglet is a small songbird that can be found across much of North America. Despite its tiny size, the golden-crowned kinglet has a very large range and can be found in appropriate habitats across the United States and Canada. This article will provide an overview of where golden-crowned kinglets can be found, including details on their breeding, wintering, and year-round ranges. Quick answers to key questions about the range of the golden-crowned kinglet include:
- Breeding range – Boreal and montane forests across Canada, Alaska, the western and northeastern U.S.
- Wintering range – Southern Canada, most of the continental U.S., mountains of Mexico
- Year-round range – Pacific Northwest, southern Appalachians, isolated mountain ranges
Read on for more details on the habitats and range of this tiny songbird.
Breeding Range
The golden-crowned kinglet breeds across Canada and the northern United States, as well as in montane forests further south. Their breeding range extends from:
- Alaska across Canada to Newfoundland and Labrador
- South in the western mountains to southern California, Arizona, and New Mexico
- South in the eastern mountains to Georgia and South Carolina
- Isolated breeding populations in the Great Lakes region
Within this broad range, golden-crowned kinglets breed primarily in coniferous forests, especially spruce and fir. They are most abundant in mature boreal forests, but also breed in montane pine forests and mixed woods across their range. The presence of adequate nesting habitat, such as tall conifers and closely spaced branches, is a key factor in their breeding distribution.
During the breeding season, golden-crowned kinglets can be found across Canada and the northern tier of U.S. states as well as in mountain ranges further south. States and regions where breeding populations can be found include:
- Alaska – Throughout mainland and southeast Alaska
- Canada – All provinces and territories
- West Coast – Coastal and interior mountains from California to Washington
- Northern Rocky Mountains – Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado
- Upper Midwest – Minnesota, Wisconsin, northern Michigan
- Northeast – New England, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia
- Appalachians – Higher elevations to Georgia and South Carolina
Within these regions, the highest densities are typically found in mature spruce-fir forests. But golden-crowned kinglets also breed in other coniferous and mixed forests, including pine, hemlock, cedar, and more. They are widespread across their breeding range but occur only locally in appropriate habitat.
Habitat Preferences
On their breeding grounds, golden-crowned kinglets prefer:
- Mature coniferous forests with tall trees and closed canopies
- A mix of evergreen species, especially spruce and fir
- Dense stands with layered branches for nesting
- Mountain forests with conifers, especially at mid-elevations
- In the West, also found in pine and mixed conifer forests
They typically avoid deciduous woods lacking conifers. Within suitable coniferous habitat, they prefer areas with a high density of live, closely spaced branches for nesting and foraging. They are often associated with cool, moist forests with minimal understory vegetation.
Population Densities
Across their breeding range, reported densities of golden-crowned kinglets vary:
- Boreal spruce-fir forests – Often 5-15 pairs per 40 hectares
- Western mountains – 1-4 pairs per 40 hectares
- Eastern deciduous with conifers – 1-2 pairs per 40 hectares
- Optimal habitat may reach 20-30 pairs per 40 hectares
They reach their highest densities in mature boreal spruce-fir stands, which offer optimal nesting and foraging habitat. Densities are lower in less ideal habitat across the southern and western parts of their range. Overall numbers fluctuate dramatically between years.
Wintering Range
In winter, golden-crowned kinglets withdraw from the northern parts of their breeding range and migrate southward. Their winter range extends from:
- Southern Canada south to Baja California, Mexico and Florida
- West of the Rockies from southern Alaska to Mexico
- East of the Rockies from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast
- Isolated high-elevation populations may remain in breeding areas year-round
Golden-crowned kinglets occupy a variety of woodland habitats in winter, including both coniferous and deciduous forests. They also utilize parks, suburban areas, and other habitats with adequate cover. The availability of food and shelter from cold weather are key factors shaping their winter distribution.
Regions and states where golden-crowned kinglets regularly winter include:
- Pacific Coast – Southern Alaska to Baja California
- Southwest – Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico
- Plains States – Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska
- Midwest – Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio
- Southeast – Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida
- Northeast – Southern New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland
They are widespread and common over much of the eastern and central United States in winter. West of the Rockies, they are common along the coast and scatter inland to foothills and mountain forests. The northern limit of their winter range is quite variable, dependent on weather conditions each year.
Habitat Preferences
In winter, golden-crowned kinglets use a wider variety of wooded habitats, including:
- Mixed and deciduous forests
- Pine-oak woods
- Cedar groves
- Coastal forests
- Parks and residential areas with trees
Almost any area with tall trees and understory cover may be utilized in winter. They forage actively in both conifers and deciduous trees, eating insects, spiders, and tree sap. Sheltered microclimates and foliage denseness are likely important factors in winter habitat selection.
Year-Round Range
While most golden-crowned kinglets migrate between breeding and wintering areas, populations in some regions remain on their breeding grounds year-round. Areas where golden-crowned kinglets can be found throughout the year include:
- Pacific Northwest – Coastal British Columbia to northern California
- Appalachian Mountains – West Virginia to Georgia/South Carolina
- Isolated mountain ranges – Cascades, Sierra Nevada, Green Mountains, etc.
These resident populations occupy mature montane forests year-round. The mild climate and abundant coniferous habitat allow the birds to find adequate food and shelter even in winter. But they may make altitudinal movements, shifting to lower elevations in winter.
Habitat Preferences
In both the Pacific Northwest and Appalachians, golden-crowned kinglets are mostly restricted to higher elevation mature and old-growth forests. Important habitat features include:
- Dense stands of tall conifers, especially true firs and spruce
- High canopy cover and minimal understory
- Multilayered branches for foraging and nesting
- Mild, moist climate
The specific tree composition varies across their year-round range. But extensive mature coniferous forests with minimal seasonal changes are key to supporting year-round populations. These resident kinglets play an important role as keystone species in these forest ecosystems.
Seasonal Movements
While they have extensive breeding and wintering ranges, most golden-crowned kinglets undergo seasonal migrations between them. Key aspects of their migration patterns include:
- Fall migration from September to November
- Spring migration February to May
- Travel along major mountain ranges, coastlines, and river systems
- Capable of long flights across open areas like the Great Lakes
- Cover up to 5,000 km between breeding and wintering grounds
Migrating flocks mix with resident birds on wintering grounds. Return migration follows similar geographic patterns back to breeding territories. Timing and distance covered varies by specific breeding and wintering location.
Fall Migration
In fall, golden-crowned kinglets migrate south on a broad front from September to November. Peak movements occur during October, with arrival on wintering areas beginning in September to early October. Timing varies by location, but occurs earlier after breeding further north.
Some key aspects by region include:
| Region | Departure |
| Alaska and northern Canada | Mid-August to September |
| Boreal forests | September to mid-October |
| Northeastern mountains | Late September to late October |
| Western mountains | Mid-September to mid-October |
Earlier fall storms and food shortages may trigger earlier movements some years. Most migration occurs at night. Cold fronts and low pressure systems can lead to large overnight migratory movements.
Spring Migration
Spring migration to breeding areas begins in February in the southern U.S. but extends into May further north. Peak movements occur from mid-March to mid-May, depending on latitude.
| Region | Arrival on Breeding Grounds |
| Southern wintering areas | Late February to March |
| Northeast | Mid-April to early May |
| Boreal forests | Mid-May |
| Alaska | Late May |
As with fall migration, inclement weather and food shortages can lead to early departures from wintering areas some years. Males typically arrive before females to establish breeding territories. Most migratory movements occur at night.
Population and Conservation Status
Due to their extensive range across North America, golden-crowned kinglets are not considered threatened or endangered. However, populations naturally fluctuate, especially in the northern boreal forests. Their numbers and conservation status include:
- Total global population – 14 million
- Continental population – 11 million
- Population trend – Decreasing but extent unknown
- IUCN status – Least concern
Population declines have occurred in boreal forests, likely driven by factors like habitat loss and climate change. But given their large population and range, the overall outlook for the species remains stable. Some potential threats include:
- Habitat loss, especially of mature and old coniferous forests
- Increased severity of forest fires in the West
- Climate change affecting boreal ecosystems
- Brood parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds
Conserving intact mature forests across their range will be important for the long-term security of golden-crowned kinglets. Sustainable forest management practices can balance timber extraction with habitat protection. Backyard birders can also help provide habitat in urban and suburban areas.
Conclusion
Golden-crowned kinglets occupy an extensive range across North America. Though diminutive in size, they inhabit forests and woodlands from Alaska and Canada southward to the mountains of Mexico. The core of their breeding range centers on boreal spruce-fir forests, while their winter range encompasses much of the United States. Seasonal migrations connect their northern breeding areas with more southern wintering grounds. Though not currently threatened, conservation measures focused on mature coniferous habitats can help maintain healthy populations of these tiny northern songbirds into the future. The wide range and adaptability of golden-crowned kinglets should ensure their place as an iconic component of the natural ecosystems across North America.
