Golden-crowned Kinglet
Regulus satrapa

One of our tiniest birds, the golden-crowned Kinglet is able to survive in some very cold temperatures. This little bird usually nests in our northern forests but winters throughout much of the continent. It is usually found in very thick conifers, especially those of spruce, fir and hemlock. It likes pine groves like those planted in cemeteries and parks. This is a very active bird making it hard to spot high in the trees. It hops among the branches, often hanging upside down from the tips of twigs.

Cool Facts*

• The female can lay a surprisingly large number of eggs, sometimes as many as 5 – 11!
• The diet of these birds is mostly insects, including small beetles, gnats, caterpillars, aphids and others. It will also eat spiders and rarely feeds on fruit.
• The adult male is a dull grayish olive above, paler whitish below and head boldly marked with yellow crown bordered broadly with Black. The orange color in center of yellow crown is visible only during display or when the bird is excited. The female does not have this yellow/orange crown.
• One of the calls it makes sounds like a high jingling, tsii tsii tsii.
• If you take a walk at Oakdale this winter and stand and listen for the calling, look up high in the trees and you just might be lucky enough to see this special little bird, hardly bigger than a hummingbird, flitting from branch to branch.

* Information adapted from Cornell Lab of Ornithology site animals.nationalgeographic.com and Audubon.org “Guide to North American Birds”.

Children, Nature and You Resources to help you give the children you influence the awe and wonder that only the natural world can inspire

Freeport Park District Information on all the Freeport parks

Freeport Public Library More than books on a shelf...visit the Freeport Public Library

Freeport Outdoor Experience Events located in Freeport and Stephenson County

Getting Kids Involved (The Cornell Lab of Ornithology) Includes bird information, tips, and more for kids and families

Jane Addams Recreation Trail Ride or Hike the beautiful Jane Addams Trail

Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots A program of the Jane Goodall Institute offering a variety of programs and resources

NASA Climate Kids to tell the story of our changing planet through the eyes of NASA missions studying Earth and provides games, activities, and articles that make climate science accessible and engaging for children

National Audubon for Kids provides resources for classroom curriculum, DIY activities, and bird activities for children at home

National Wildlife Federation Many family-friendly articles; Ranger Rick family magazine

Resource Guide Supplement to Last Child in the Woods Designed for parents, teachers, and community leaders to help them encourage children’s enjoyment of the great outdoors.

Severson Dells Nature Center Located near Rockford, IL.

Sierra Club Outdoors The program's goal is to give every child in America an outdoor experience.

World Migratory Bird Day Learn about the importance of migratory birds and how to celebrate birds any day of the year!