Regulus satrapa
L 4" (10 cm).

Song or calls:
Listen (NGPC audio)
Call is high “see-see-see.” Song is high series of “tsee” notes accelerating into a trill.

more images

photo by Phil Swanson

Description: Tiny and plump. Grayish-olive above; whitish underparts; two white wing bars; small, slender bill; slightly notched tail; striped crown; and broad white eyebrow. Male has orange crown patch that is bordered in yellow and black; female's crown is yellow with black borders.

Behavior: Active and nervous; flicks wings rapidly when calling.

Habitat: Found in a wide variety of woodlands, forests, and scrubby habitats. Tends to prefer conifer stands.

Where in Nebraska: Common to uncommon spring and fall migrant, and an uncommon winter resident across the state. Perhaps more common in eastern Nebraska.

Field Notes: Often seen in mixed flocks outside the breeding season consisting of Ruby-crowned Kinglets, creepers, nuthatches, and chickadees.

Fun Facts: The Golden-crowned Kinglet makes its nest so small that it must lay its eggs in more than one layer.