Jerry B. asked -

> Please help me with Ruby-crowned Kinglets...
>
> I had one in the yard today that had distinct yellow edges on the primaries (ala
> Pine Siskin), yellowish sides to the undertail coverts, and bright yellow edges
> on the outer retrices.
>
> Why have I never seen this before? Is that a common coloration I've just never
> noticed? The field guides don't mention yellow...

Sounds like a perfectly normal Ruby-crowned in mint plumage, possibly a
female if you didn't notice a crown patch (going on the assumption that any
male RCKI this time of year throws his crown patch up at the merest excuse).
Note that it could be either of the two RCKI races, _grinnelli_ of the coast,
or _calendula_ of the interior in migration. The coastal race is a touch more
olivaceous underneath. Golden-crowned Kinglets have even more yellow edging
on the remiges and retrices than RCKI.

- JB



Jack Bowling
Prince George, BC
jcbowling at mindlink.bc.ca