What does the Ruby-crowned Kinglet song sound like?

Corthylio calendula

Song Common

Play the real Ruby-crowned Kinglet song, the "tee-see-see, tur-LEE, tee-tee-tee-tur-LI-LEE", and learn what to listen for.

“tee-see-see, tur-LEE, tee-tee-tee-tur-LI-LEE”

What the Ruby-crowned Kinglet song sounds like

A loud, accelerating series beginning with two to three high thin notes followed by a rising jumble and ending in a sharp twittering cascade.

“tee-see-see, tur-LEE, tee-tee-tee-tur-LI-LEE”

Birders often file this one under Full territorial song.

How to find the bird singing it

Breeds primarily in spruce, fir, and other coniferous forests of the boreal zone and western mountains; in migration and winter it frequents a wider variety of habitats including deciduous woodlands, scrub, parks, and gardens.

Size & Shape: Tiny (9–11 cm), round-bodied with a short tail, thin bill, and proportionally large head.
Plumage: Overall olive-green with two bold whitish wing bars; broken white eyering gives a ‘spectacled’ look.
Crown Patch: Males have a concealed, bright ruby-red crown that flares when excited; usually hidden.

When you'll hear it

Breeding

Pairs defend coniferous territories; males sing almost continuously from treetops.

Migration

Moves through a variety of habitats; often joins mixed species flocks.

Winter

Quiet and inconspicuous in southern woodlands; feeds low in shrubs and trees.

Don’t confuse it with

Birds whose song gets mistaken for this one. Play them back to back.

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Has black-and-white face stripes and a golden/orange crown bordered by black.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Longer tail edged in white and often cocked.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet song FAQ

What does a Ruby-crowned Kinglet song sound like?

A loud, accelerating series beginning with two to three high thin notes followed by a rising jumble and ending in a sharp twittering cascade. Birders write it as "tee-see-see, tur-LEE, tee-tee-tee-tur-LI-LEE".

How do I tell a Ruby-crowned Kinglet from a Golden-crowned Kinglet by ear?

Golden-crowned Kinglet: Has black-and-white face stripes and a golden/orange crown bordered by black.; Shows stronger buffy wash on flanks..

When is the best time to hear the Ruby-crowned Kinglet song?

Migratory: present on breeding grounds April–September; peak migration March–May and August–October; winters November–March.

More Ruby-crowned Kinglet sounds

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