Kinglet

Kinglet is a small bird, but it is very pretty and colourful! It has a green back, a white belly, and it has an orange or yellow stripe on its head. Some kinglets have a feather on their head that looks like a crown. That's why they are called kinglets. They are so small that they fit in the palm of an adult's hand.

Where Kinglet lives

Kinglet lives in spruce and pine forests. They choose such places because there are plenty of branches to rest on between flights and plenty of food. This bird likes to build nests in hollow trees or on tree branches. There it is cosy and warm..

Kinglets like to fly. They fly all day long, flying from branch to branch, and can be watched all day long. Kinglets are so small and agile that they can even hang upside down on branches! It's a funny looking thing, isn't it?

What Kinglet eats

Kinglet loves to catch insects. He quickly flies from branch to branch and catches flies, spiders and other small animals. This is his favourite treat!

And in winter, when there are fewer insects, the kinglets start eating the seeds of the spruce tree. They sit on the branches and peck the little seeds right out of the cones.

How Kinglet takes care of his family

Kinglet loves its family very much. The nest is usually built by the papa bird. He works very hard to create a cosy and warm place for the mother bird and the future chicks. The nest is usually built in the form of a small ball.

Kinglet uses different materials he finds in the forest to build it. He takes moss that grows on trees and rocks. The moss is soft and warm, perfect as soft bedding for the nest. He also uses grass stalks and pine or willow branches.

The mother bird lays up to 10 eggs in the nest! The nest is always warm and cosy and the little chicks grow quickly.

How Kinglet winters

Some Kinglet fly to warm countries for the winter and some stay at home. They seek shelter in tree hollows and sleep there until it gets warmer.

Why Kinglet are special

Kinglet is not just a bird, it is a true king of nature! He can fly very fast, builds cosy nests and takes care of his family. He also sings beautifully, like a real artiste.

Now you know about the little king of the forest, the Kinglet bird! Maybe someday you will see him in the forest and hear his cheerful song.