How to attract Kinglets

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BE AWARE THAT HABITAT TYPE MORE THAN ANY OTHER FACTOR, WILL IN MOST CASES, DICTATE THE SPECIES OF BIRD THAT VISIT YOUR PROPERTY.

How to Attract Kinglets

There are two types of Kinglets: Ruby-Crowned and Golden Crowned, outside of hummingbirds, Kinglets are the smallest of Northern American birds. They both breed in northern evergreen (conifer) forests so most birdwatchers don’t get the opportunity to see them until migration. During migration and while wintering, Kinglets still prefer evergreen habitats but will visit deciduous forests and shrubby sections of backyards/parks, especially if they have large trees. Not only is the Kinglet very small but it also moves very quickly – making photography and general viewing quite difficult. Both Kinglets characteristically hover their wings as they glean insect food off foliage, usually high up in trees. They mainly eat insects but will sometimes eat small seeds and visit feeders for suet. Kinglets will also occasionally eat small berries.

Top Ways to Attract Kinglets

Trees & Shrubs that Attract Kinglets

Attracting Kinglets with a Bird Feeder

Feeder Type:
Suet Feeder
Feed:
Suet

Kinglet Information

Kinglet Identification:

Very small-sized bird
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet Identification: pale olive-yellow overall, white eyering, white/black wing bar, male has ruby crown (though not often visible)
Golden-Crowned Kinglet Identification: pale-olive-gray upperparts, whiteish underparts, male has yellow-orange-black crown, female has yellow-black crown

Kinglet Habitat:

Widest range is during migration and over winter – strong preference for evergreen forest but can also be found in deciduous forest and shrubby areas - including backyards
Breed in evergreen forests at high northern elevations