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Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Regulus calendula
The Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) is a very small, active, thin-billed, insectivorous North American songbird. The species breeds in coniferous forests across Canada and Alaska as well as parts of the Rocky Mountains. In winter the species migrates south to winter across the southern half of the United States as well as Mexico and Guatemala. Despite its small, delicate appearance, the species is very hardy and may winter in areas where temperatures are well below freezing. Somehow it finds food, despite some very cold weather. The male has a ruby-red crown patch which may be displayed by the bird, but often this patch is concealed. The first photo shows a tiny hint on this patch, which, if the bird is agitated or excited, may almost cover the entire top of the head. This photo was taken in Gonzales Co., Texas, in January, 2003, with a Canon EOS D60 and EF 600mm F/4 L IS lens.
The image on the right shows a Ruby-crowned Kinglet perched in a salt cedar at Bosque del Apache N.W.R., Socorro Co., New Mexico, in November, 2005. This shot was taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark II and EF 600mm F/4 L IS lens and 2X extender.
The next two shots on the right were both taken in December, 2005, with the same equipment as the image just previous. The first shot was taken at Buffalo Gap, Taylor Co., Texas and the next shot, of a kinglet in a juniper tree, was in Coleman Co., Texas.
The Ruby-crowned Kinglet at right had just arrived in Austin for the winter season. This image was taken in early November, 2007, in Austin, Travis Co., Texas, with a Canon EOS 1D Mark III and EF 600mm F/4 L IS lens and 2X extender.
The Ruby-crowned Kinglet on the right was in Austin, Travis Co., Texas in February, 2010.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Regulus calendula
Balmorhea Lake,
Reeves Co., Texas
17 December 2013
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Regulus calendula
Balmorhea Lake,
Reeves Co., Texas
17 December 2013
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Regulus calendula
Southeast Metro Park,
Travis Co., Texas
13 February 2014