The Ruby crowned Kinglet [NARRATED]

[@ShirleyGanske]

Always appreciate your clever narration 😀

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

And I always enjoy hearing from someone who gets my sense of humor. Thanks for telling me so.

[@Thrasherfourlife]

Is'nt that the truth! 😊

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Thanks.

[@pamelakern2849]

The Ruby Crowned Kinglet is a bundle of tiny beauty. 😊I enjoyed watching this dynamic little bird . Thankyou Jo

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I can tell from your word choice how much you enjoy the kinglet, and I'm glad for a chance to show him off to you. Thanks for commenting, Pamela.

[@lettymatias5572]

Another enjoyable video. Love your wit Jo (and background music). The kinglet is precious.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Hi, Letty! Nice to hear from you. I always make sure to include some wit in the script because I know that you and other people with a similar sense of humor will enjoy it. I kept the background music faint until the very end, but then I enjoyed bringing up the volume of that jazzy little tune.

[@a.m.v.6938]

Beautiful little bird, great video. It always a treat to hear your beautiful voice.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Good to hear from you--especially with such cheerful praise on offer. Thanks.

[@geraldinefields1730]

They are so crazy quick, you can hardly see them. Thank you for your content.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I'm happy to hear you appreciate the content, Geraldine. Yes, the kinglets are crazy quick. I even had to slow down a couple of shots to make it possible to see what happened.

[@audra1976oliver]

I wish i had that energy. I would accomplish so many things. They certainly have a loud chatter for being so small. Thanks for a great video, Jo. 😊

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Glad you enjoyed it, Audra, and I'm with you: oh, to have that much energy!!

[@audra1976oliver]

This is a nice rewatch! I still need energy lol.​@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME

[@Croove55]

Saw these for the first time on a river trail near the end of the year, and while they weren't landing on us or anything, it was surprising how close we got without them being bothered.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I'm guessing that they're like hummingbirds--so fast and so pugnacious that they figure: what could one of those big sloths do to me?! It's not like any one of them could catch me.

[@sylphofthewildwoods5518]

Haha 😆 This is delightful as usual. I don't think I've ever seen a Ruby Crowned Kinglet. Though, I have seen a Golden Crowned Kinglet. But I think both visit my parents bird feeders in winter. We always feed the birds all year around - so they come for suet when its really cold and the bugs are in hiding. Perhaps, they even go for the nut butter that Dad puts out several times a day. Thanks for this!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Thank you for the "delightful as usual" comment. We live in St. Louis and haven't seen the kinglets at feeders, but we don't usually have them in winter. How far south are you?

[@sylphofthewildwoods5518]

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME You're quite welcome! 😁 Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

You're not all that much further south than we are, but the range map shows you get them all winter. I'm surprised they come to suet, but I'll take your word for it. Nice to know.

[@sylphofthewildwoods5518]

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME That's true. It's kinda odd how that works geographically - I guess only the birds themselves know why .. as for eating suet or nut butter. They're insectivores and many of those eat suet in the winter. Nut butter has protein and is softish. Depending on the temperature, but I know that my father replenishes it often throughout the day outside the office door and windows so he can sit in his comfy chair and watch them through the glass. He may also be throwing out some dried mealworms. Idk. But I know he doesn't scrimp on bird food. I have seen Robins here 15 minutes away from him, eat baked sweet potatoes in the winter. I have Robins around now. I don't know why. They will occasionally stay and not migrate and hangout in the mountains living in the evergreen thickets. It's not unusual to see them in the snow. I've seen birds do unusual things in my life. They will also eat the cats kibble. Aren't birds fascinating...

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

We also get a few stray Robins for most of the winter. A couple of years ago, I did a movie about birds dealing with an extreme week long cold spell, and it showed a Robin shivering with even its head feathers fluffed up. Yes, the more I learn about birds (and bugs), the more respect I gain for them.

[@kmarj8]

another wonderful video!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

"Wonderful video" alone would be welcome praise, but I like it that you included "Another". Thanks.

[@wintermoonomen]

It's like a 5 year old hyped up on Halloween candy let loose at a toy store. Very pretty birds indeed however watching this spastic flurry started making me twitch. Love your videos and the narration!

[@WorldScott]

Excellent Ruby Crowned Kinglet exposé. :-) I first encountered this bird when I heard two of them fighting in the yard. I finally briefly saw one of them and saw the ruby crown and was surprised to see it. The two were quite vicious while fighting where they both seized eachother in their claws and dropped to the ground. They are seasonal in Northern California where they generally show up some time in November and then stay until March / early April. If they see other birds using a hummingbird feeder then they too will go to use it if the feeder opening is the right shape to accommodate their tiny beaks. They'll even do the same flight manœuvre they use to do under-the-leaf feeding to hover for a bit to get sips of sugar water from a feeder that has no perch.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Thanks for all that info, Scott. I'm a little surprised that these insectivores would be interested in hummingbird food, but I believe you. And I'd love to see it. I'm jealous of the kinglet fight you got to witness. Sounds like a riveting sight.

[@WorldScott]

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME Here on KZbin there are videos showing the hummingbird feeder behavior. Just search on "ruby crowned kinglet hummingbird feeder". Have you made a Hermit Thrush video yet? They are surprisingly interesting in their behaviors despite their LBJ appearance.

[@ElenaSofia98]

Love these little birds! I had a difficult time taking pictures of these the other day but they are so sweet.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I believe you about having a hard time getting a shot of them. They're not particularly shy, just whip quick little sprites.

[@emilycorwith1119]

Love this!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Yeah, ain't he a cutie pie?!

[@LowlandTenrec]

Woo! Go Jo!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

😁

[@outdoorztime2923]

They are some pretty birds. I believe those are the little critters that have actually busted me before - giving the Whitetail Deer a "heads-up" that danger is in the woods. :) Nature works together like that sometimes.

[@HighVerbal]

I love those little birds . I've a very tall Camellia bush and American Holly bush , both about 15 feet high , and on warm fall , winter or spring days they swoop in for insects , especially when each bush is in bloom , for the insects , and the kinglets come right up to me when I stand at edges of bushes , not appearing afraid one bit . I've seen the ruby crown many times

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Oh yeah, tall flowering bushes would be just their cup of tea. And you’re the third commenter who has observed how brazen they are. Well why not? It’s not like one of those plucked human oafs could catch a kinglet.

[@xx1BONES1xx]

I was at the park earlier today, walking around the pond. I’d just seen a belted kingfisher and heard a few red winged blackbirds calling. I get to the far corner, and begin looking through the brush hoping to spot movement. At eye level, I noticed a little twitch. Upon closer inspection, it was a delightful tiny bird. We looked at one another for a moment, the little bird hopping around a bit on its branch, getting a better look at me. I was enamored with its curiosity. I went to get my phone to take a picture of it, but unfortunately it flew away before I could. Luckily I made mental note of its traits, and after scrolling the list of birds in my region, I realized it was a little ruby crowned kinglet. An absolute doll of a bird. I adored the little fluff ball. Perhaps next time I’ll see the same individual again... and I won’t forget to bring a little birdseed next time!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

The Ruby-crowned is just about the cutest bird you could ask to see. (Though I’m filming Brown Creepers, currently, and I think they’re just as cute.) As for taking birdseed for it, don’t bother. They are strictly Insectivores. That’s one reason, so few people ever see them - they never visit feeders. Anyway, good luck on sighting him again. He’s not really very shy, just small.

[@riverbender9898]

Another excellent peek into; the private life of birddom's denizens by my favorite Naturalist. Thanks Dear Jo. Now, please explain to those of us who wonder where and how the delicate creatures really shelter to survive the brutality of winter.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I’m always happy to see a comment from you. And thanks for the compliment. The kinglets survive, severe winters by migrating - though I noticed on the range map that they go pretty far up the east coast all winter long. I know you do watch all my movies, so perhaps you remember one I did about helping birds survive a severe cold snap. Basically, they shiver a lot and eat a lot and some of them don’t survive at all. A video I did last winter about the fab four (chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, and Downy woodpeckers) explained that three of those species- not the Downy - -cache thousands of seeds in the autumn to consume during the winter.

[@coinwater8511]

Have you ever seen the famous Trumpeter Swans in Heber Springs Arkansas? They're stunning! The ponds are on private land, but open to the public. Some of the swans have tracking collars. They come from as far away as Ontario! They come back every winter to these ponds. It's a blessing to be able to see one of the heaviest flighted birds in the world so close!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I haven’t seen them in Arkansas, but I have filmed them here in Missouri. They are so much fun to watch that I’m thinking I might go back and film them some more. Love watching them take off and land!

[@blaze0rama]

Another wonderful exploration of the bird-world! Thank you. Here (upstate NY) in our forsythia, we have hundreds of finches and sparrows who duke it out on a daily foray to the feeders, only to be Barrymored by tufted titmouses and chick-a-dees. And when everyone goes into the air? Our quiet downy sneaks in and gets his fill!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Thanks for the "wonderful exploration" comment. I've never heard Barrymore used as a verb. Does it mean upstaged? Maybe driven off? My experience is that titmice, chickadees and Downys wait for the flocking birds to leave because they don't like confrontation.

[@blaze0rama]

@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME John Barrymore stepped on everyone's lines; it could be a theater term... my family has always used it for exactly that, upstaged! My husband calls the flocking birds groupings Squadrons. "Three Squadrons," he'll tell me as they move from feeder to bush or tree. We have brassy little titmouses here, I guess. The chickadees are stealthier, but never failing in getting their time at the feeders! But, yes, it is only when everyone else has hidden that suddenly the Downy will appear!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

@@blaze0rama Okay, your explanation of Barrymoring someone makes sense. I like it. I'd agree that the titmouse is braver (and bigger) than chickadees. Since you always seem to watch what I post, I'm assuming you saw the movie from last winter about the Fab Four (titmice, chickadees, nuthatches, and Down's). There's a section in it near the end where I talk about the fact that those types don't have the sharp elbows of flocking birds. As always, it's a pleasure to hear from you.

[@blaze0rama]

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME Yes, I always watch your videos! They are a joy. All our birds are old enough to come to the feeders when we sit a mere four or five feet away. The yell at the window when the feeders are empty. The flocking birds remind me of our Jersey Cousins-- squabbling and getting in each others faces. Every square inch jostled over! The quieter birds don't mix in. (Wisely) But they do take advantage of the gaps! The Chickadee's call alerts me to their presence, so I begin a search for them, and sometimes get a great photo. The Titmice are faster, and quieter, and come an go as the wind. The downy waits, half hidden under branches or in crooks of the street maple. Hours of fascination, just watching them all! We have noticed that when the trains go by? (Freight trains a bare three blocks from our house -- and not NYC blocks!) The sparrows and finches actually increase the volume of their calls! Amazing.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I enjoyed all of your description, but especially the part about sparrows and finches increasing the volume of their calls to outdo the freight trains.

[@mysticete248]

your videos are so helpful! I'm taking an ornithology class and have been getting into birding in my neighborhood and spotted a ruby crowned kinglet flitting its wings and thought of this. thank you for making lovely videos

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I don't know what's up. I've answered you twice, but those don't show up. If this one does, I'll actually speak to your comment.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Hmph. My last answer showed up. So here goes. Thank you for letting me know how helpful my videos are to you. In fact, if you had seen that kinglet without first seeing him in this movie, you'd have had the very devil of a time figuring out what that quick, tiny, bland looking bird was. Enjoy your ornithology class... and keep watching the birds and my movies. 😃

[@mysticete248]

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME Thank you very much! We actually also have Hutton's vireos here, which are notoriously difficult to differentiate from ruby crowned kinglets, so normally when you spot one you're playing the game of "vireo or kinglet". But their body language is pretty different with the kinglets being so jumpy and flittery.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Ah well, that's a game I never have to play since we don't get Hutton's Vireos in Missouri. I play the same sort of game, though, with Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks. Even though I did a movie about how to tell them apart, I still have trouble lots of times.

[@darlenehovatter2374]

Love those birds. Thank you

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

They're such spunky little guys.

[@lumpo9681]

I ❤ kinglets. Your bird content is 🔥

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Aww. Thank you. And I share your love of kinglets.

[@winnhill3736]

Never seen 1 but kinda reminds me of a titmouse.My juncos arrived last week and was surprised by the early entrance.Good birds.Great video.Arkansas viewer.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

You're practically a neighbor. In fact, I have tons of relatives in northern Arkansas. You would get the kinglets during the winter according to the range map. We're in St. Louis, and the Juncos have been here for a couple of weeks but not in many numbers yet.

[@msaparajita849]

Love the narration in your videos!😂❤

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I love to hear it. Thank you.

[@travisbicklejr]

Great video, Mrs. Alwood!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Thanks. It's always nice to know you're watching them, Brandon. He's a cute little fella, and I enjoyed catching him on film.

[@PlantNative]

Plant Pearly Everlasting…ant train on it late in season just in time for these beauties when they migrate through.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

So kinglets eat ants? Lots of birds won't do that because the formic acid in ants makes them taste so bad. Thanks for telling me so.

[@terrilynn27allen88]

Thanks for the charming video. ❤

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Hi, Terrilynn. Thanks for taking the time to let me know you appreciated the movie.

[@terrilynn27allen88]

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME your welcome. I always enjoy your channel.

[@thomastuorto9929]

I have just seen & photographed my first within the last month. The first time I saw them, (looked in the book at home & thought it was a Vero until seeing the Ruby red on the second chance to photograph) thought it was playing around making me chase it with the camera & lens. But once home looking threw the photos, I could see in flight it about to swallow a flying insect. = Photo deleted due to blur but, have some others while perched & a couple weeks later at a coastal NRA in the grass & on the beach. They are not shy. They would come pretty close & hopped up on & over one lady's shoe.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

That drives me crazy to get a shot like the one of the kinglet just about to gobble an insect but too blurry to use.%$#^* Still, it's fun to get even that good a look. I agree that the kinglets aren't shy, but I'm surprised that one would hop onto and over a lady's shoe! Thanks for telling me about that.

[@willschep2784]

What a nice bird, Jo !

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Hi, Will. Yes, he's entertaining.

[@coinwater8511]

I see them all the time in the winter here in Arkansas! But they never show me their crown, they must be very humble to hide a crown!😂

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Good observation about their humility. They are an odd combination of humble and feisty.

[@RobJorg]

love the video, keep them coming Jo

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I appreciate your encouragement, Rob.

[@wlieu12]

Jo, they live in accelerated time for quick flying obstacle avoidance necessity. To them we move in slow motion.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Agreed. I said in another movie about the speed at which birds live that in comparison we move through a medium of molasses instead of air.

[@wlieu12]

At a minimum their reflex can be 10 times quicker than ours. Just from the fact that their brain to limb distance is about 10 times shorter.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

@@wlieu12 I am aware of how fast their reflexes are just from watching them constantly twitch their heads, looking for predators and evading them, but I guess I had not tried to quantify the difference between us and them. And I certainly hadn’t thought about the fact that the neurons have a much shorter distance to travel for those reflexes to work. Thanks for pointing that out. It’s interesting.

[@wlieu12]

It's kind of comforting. For example, the hummingbirds' 7 years nominal lifespan is then equivalent to our 70 because they live life 10 times faster!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Again, I hadn’t thought of it in those terms. Don’t be surprised if you find that idea showing up in one of my scripts fairly soon. Thanks.

[@synx699]

this is nice bird love your video 💯🤍🖤

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Thanks. And I agree with you that the kinglet is a cool bird.