Without the breeding birds of summer and migrating flocks of spring and fall, winter can sometimes feel like a lull for birdwatchers. As winter sets in at Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance’s Columbia County properties, I eagerly await the return of Rough-legged Hawks and cross my fingers to see other winter visitors like Snowy Owls and Short-eared Owls. However, I often forget to look forward to some of our smallest arrivals until I hear the high-pitched tinkling reminder—kinglets are still around!
Although Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets breed in northern Wisconsin, us southern Wisconsin residents still have opportunities each year to catch glimpses of these tiny, energetic birds. Both kinglet species can be seen in southern Wisconsin during spring and fall migration, and some even hang around during the winter months. According to eBird data, you are most likely to find Golden-crowned Kinglets at Goose Pond between late March and late April during spring migration and from late September to early November during fall migration. Ruby-crowned Kinglets, on the other hand, are most likely to be observed in late April through mid-May at the sanctuary.
While it’s possible to find either kinglet species flitting among the shrubbery at Goose Pond, you are more likely to spot these fast-moving birds in winter habitat that more closely resembles their breeding habitat. Golden-crowned Kinglets nest in boreal or montane coniferous forests across most of Canada, but have been expanding their breeding range into conifer stands of the upper Midwest and Appalachian Mountains. Ruby-crowned Kinglets commonly breed in spruce-fir forests across Canada and the northwestern US. However, both kinglet species are flexible and may nest in other mixed woodland and forest habitats. Their flexibility increases in their winter range, and both species can be found in a variety of woodlands, thickets, cities, and suburbs.
During the 2025 Poynette Christmas Bird Count held on December 27, both kinglets were reported by Graham Steinhauer. So, which habitats were these elusive birds hanging out in? He observed at least four Golden-crowned Kinglets at the Rowan Creek State Fishery Area’s Pine Island, where they were poking around the conifer understory with Brown Creepers and Red-breasted Nuthatches. Despite being territorial on their breeding grounds, it’s common to see Golden-crowned Kinglets in flocks of other small songbirds on their wintering grounds. Graham also spotted a Ruby-crowned Kinglet at Mud Lake State Wildlife Area in mixed deciduous-coniferous woods with a shrubby understory and adjacent to an open prairie.
Fall, winter, or spring. Conifer woods, shrubby fenceline, or city park. You never know when or where you may find one of these spunky little birds. So keep your ears open for high-pitched chattering, and get your eyes ready for a high-speed chase to catch the kinglets in action!
Written by Emma Raasch, Goose Pond Sanctuary ecological restoration technician
Cover image by Sandra Uecker/USFWS. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet perched in a tangle of branches.
