KINGLETS 
335 
749. Ruby-crowned Kinglet, iiuby-crowned wren, le roitelet a couronne 
rtjbis, Corthylio calendula. L, 4-07. Plate LX B. Diminutive birds like the Golden- 
crowned Kinglet; yellowish green above; dull white below. Crown of male with spot of 
bright red. No face marks except a vague lightening about the eye. 
Distinctions. The two kinglets, so nearly alike in general colour and size, may be 
easily separated by the crown and face coloration. The crown-spot of this species is bright 
red instead of yellow or yellow and orange, and the face never shows a distinct eyebrow 
stripe or marking other than a dull lightening about the eye. 
Field Marks. Very small, chickadee-like birds, often in flocks in dense foliage. Dull, 
even greenish coloration, with evenly coloured face vaguely lightening about eye to a faint, 
interrupted eye-ring; without eyebrow stripe; with or without bright red crown patch. 
It will be noted that the Ruby-crowned has the habit of fluttering its wings occasionally 
during momentary pauses in its movement, which is not shared by the Golden-crowned. 
This, though not an absolute proof of identity, will often suggest the species. 
Nesting. In coniferous trees; nest of moss and fine strips of bark neatly interwoven 
and lined with feathers — usually semi-pensile. 
Distribution. Northern North America. In Canada, across the Dominion, north to 
the limit of trees. 
SUBSPECIES. The Eastern Ruby-crowned Kinglet (le Roitelet k couronne rubis 
de l’Est) Regulus calendula calendula extends west to the east slope of the Coast Range in 
British Columbia. West of this, on the coast, is the Sitka Kinglet (le Roitelet de Sitka) 
Regulus calendula grinnelli, of a slightly warmer buff below; and the green above lighter 
and more extensive. 
This species is so nearly like the Golden-crowned Kinglet that little 
further discussion of either habits or economic status is necessary. Its song, 
however, is one of nature's surprises and warrants special mention. It is 
so loud and clear and full throated that one can but wonder at so much 
volume proceeding from such a tiny being. It vies in strength and carry- 
ing power with that of the Purple Pinch, and when first heard is likely to be 
ascribed to some of the larger sparrows. A very characteristic song may 
be rendered — “Peedle-edle-edle-edie Wheedle-wheedle " — preceded by a 
low', preliminary warble. The last words are accented and loud and 
ringing, the first are lower and without pronounced carrying power. Like 
that of other species the song of this Kinglet seems subject to numerous 
local variations. 
Economic Status. The kinglets are so largely insect-eaters that they 
may be looked upon as most beneficial. They are small, but their numbers, 
when they occur, more than make up for their small size, and what is 
said of the chickadee in this respect applies equally well to them. 
FAMILY — MOTACILLIDAE. MEADOW WAGTAILS AND PIPITS 
A family of chiefly Old World distribution that may be defined for 
recognition in Canada as gregarious ground birds with warbler-like bills 
and long hind claw (Figure 419). They are most like the Horned Lark in 
general outline and habit, but are slenderer and lighter in build and of a 
more earthy colour. There are but two species to consider in Canada. 
697. American Pipit. titlark, le pipit d’am£rique. Anthus spinoletta. L, 
6 • 38. A ground-coloured and ground-haunting bird; bill very warbler-like but longer, hind 
claw elongated like that of the longspur and the Horned Lark (Figure 419, compare 
with Figure 399, page 297). Adult (in highest spring plumage): greyish above, purest on 
head and growing slightly olive on rump; back faintly mottled with dark feather centres; 
pinkish buff below, with sparse, fine breast stripes of brownish grey, tending to form a 
necklace across breast and extending along flanks; wings brown with faded feather edges. 
This is rather an exceptional plumage, the one most often seen even in spring is evenly 
dull olive slightly mottled above; buffy white below with diffuse and more or less aggre- 
gated spots descending sides of throat and extending across breast and along flanks. 
76916 — 22J 
