Ruby-crowned Kinglets are the hidden royals. The males, who have the ruby mohawk of a crown, only show them for love and war.
Regulus calendula, means little king, glowing — with that ruby crown. They are very territorial; I once watched one charge his own reflection repeatedly. His ruby was definitely showing.
This is a tiny bird: they weigh from 0.2 – 0.3 oz, or 5-10 grams. But, they can have clutches of up to twelve eggs, equalling the weight of the mother.
They hunt for bugs, fruits, seeds, flicking their wings constantly as they move with near-ceaseless motion.
More Precious than Rubies?
Published October 26, 2018 Fieldnotes Leave a CommentTags: birding, birds, Brooklyn, Green-Wood
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