Under normal circumstances, Rub-crowned Kinglets (Regulus calendula) are described as “stocky” or “chubby” or “compact.” In cold weather, when they fluff up their feathers to retain heat, they amazingly grow even rounder in shape. These round balls of fluff bounce from branch to branch as they frenetically forage for food, reminding me of the pinball games that I used to play in my youth.
I was thrilled last Friday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge when this male Ruby-crowned Kinglet paused for a split-second on a branch and I was able to capture this image. I love the tilt of his head, the contrast between the curves of his body and the angular lines of his bill and wings, and the wonderful little details like the glimpse of his ruby crown and the peek at his tiny little feet.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I take it the double alliteration in “balls of fluff bounce from branch to branch as they frenetically forage for food” wasn’t accidental.
Guilty as charged…I wondered if anyone would notice. 🙂
They look similar to our Prinias.
Nice shot.
What a cutie. Good job Mike!
Beautiful sharp shot, you got the whole Kinglet package!
He is so puffed up, adorable!
Thanks–it is hard to avoid the word “cute” when speaking of this puffed up little bird.
Yes it is!
This little fella looks a touch like a silvereye here in NZ…although they are nectar feeders. Might be a similar size too I guess. Interesting,
These birds are really small, about 10 cm in length. It’s cool to be exposed to photos and info about wildlife worldwide thanks to the internet–it helps remind me of the amazing diversity of the animal kingdom.
You’re so right. One reason I love WordPress and blogs like yours is that it expands my awareness of things I’m interested in everywhere.