Definition

Noun: 1. A small North American songbird: The ruby-crowned wren is a common name for a specific species of kinglet, a very small, active songbird. It is known for its loud, complex song and, in the male, a distinctive patch of bright red feathers on the crown of its head that is usually concealed.

Usage Notes

• This term is a common name, not a formal scientific name. The formal species name is .
• The "wren" in its name is somewhat misleading, as it is not a true wren but a kinglet. It is also commonly called the "ruby-crowned kinglet."
• The defining feature—the ruby crown—is only prominently visible on the male, and typically only when he is excited or displaying. At rest, the crown patch is often hidden.

Examples

• Noun:
  • We heard the lively song of a ruby-crowned wren in the conifer trees.
  • The birdwatcher was thrilled to finally see a male ruby-crowned wren flash its brilliant red crown.
  • Despite its name, the ruby-crowned wren is more closely related to warblers than to true wrens.

Advanced Usage

• "To spot the ruby crown": This phrase is often used by birders to describe the specific challenge and reward of seeing the male's hidden red patch.
  • It took patience, but I finally managed to spot the ruby crown when the male became agitated.

Variants and Related Words

• Ruby-crowned kinglet (n): The more precise and widely used common name for the same bird ().
• Kinglet (n): The general term for birds in the genus , which are very small, insect-eating songbirds.
• Golden-crowned kinglet (n): A closely related species () with a yellow and orange crown stripe.

Synonyms

• Ruby-crowned kinglet: The direct and more accurate synonym.
• Regulus calendula: The scientific Latin name.

Related Phrases

• Crown patch: The specific term for the patch of colored feathers on the top of a bird's head.
  • The male's crown patch is its most distinguishing feature.

Noun

1. American kinglet with a notable song and in the male a red crown patch