Golden-crowned Kinglets are among the smallest songbirds in North America, and they are common year-round residents in coniferous forests throughout much of Oregon, especially in the Cascades, Coast Range, and Willamette Valley. They are incredibly active, constantly flitting and hovering among the branches as they search for insects.

While both sexes share a similar overall appearance, the key to differentiating male and female Golden-crowned Kinglets lies in their distinctive crown patch:

Male Golden-crowned Kinglet: The male has a bright, red-orange crown in the center, bordered by yellow and then black stripes. This fiery orange patch can be quite vibrant when the bird is excited or agitated, and it may be displayed when he's defending his territory or attracting a mate. However, it's often concealed and flattened against their head when they are relaxed, making it less obvious.

Female Golden-crowned Kinglet: The female also has a crown patch, but it is entirely yellow, bordered by black stripes. She lacks the orange center that the male possesses.

Both sexes have:
Pale olive-green upperparts.
Grayish-white underparts.
A black-and-white striped face with a prominent white stripe above the eye.
Two white wing bars on their black wings, with yellow edges on their flight feathers.
A small, thin bill and a short tail.

Despite their tiny size, Golden-crowned Kinglets are incredibly hardy and can survive harsh winter conditions. They often travel in mixed flocks with other small songbirds. Their high-pitched, tinkling calls are often the first sign of their presence as they forage high in the tree canopy.