This drab, greenish, diminutive species is similar in appearance to the Hutton's vireo, and sometimes confused with that species in western Oregon. Slighter-billed and smaller than the vireo, this little bundle of energy seems always to be moving as it flicks its wings and hops from twig to twig.

The male Ruby-crowned kinglet sports a bright red crown spot, typically visible only when the bird is agitated, and in spring pours fourth a delightful melody, surprising for such a small, drab bird.

This species breeds in high elevation forests, primarily east of the Cascade crest, where it is common in summer, and in the Blue, Wallowa, and locally in the Warner mountains. It is frequently found late in spring in areas where they do not breed and is found throughout Oregon in winter.

Hear the song of the Ruby-crowned kinglet

Photo by David W. Leer