RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, BLUFFERS PARK, SCARBOROUGH,TORONTO, ON, 4/22/18

   We can ID this bird as a Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) by the following:

      - Small size - We estimated in the field that it's size was 4"+-.  The Ruby-crowned Kinglet varies

                             in size from 3.5" to 4.3".

      - Thin, straight and dark bill.

      - Greenish plumage.

      - Two white wingbars.  The wingbar closer to the wingtip is wider and next to a dark band.

      - Large head and almost no neck.

      - Short, notched tail.

   The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is a tiny bird that lays up to 12 eggs, the largest clutch of any North Americsn passerine for it's size.  A full clutch can weigh as much as the female herself. The Kinglet is mainly insectivorous, but also eats fruits and seeds.

   The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is a new species to our Photographic Life List, which now stands at 778.