Bird Description

Fairly common breeder in dense coniferous forest. Difficult to see and often looks 'dirty' from residue on trees. Wintering birds and migrants also prefer conifers but also use other habitats, and often mix with other species. Sometimes feeds in weedy vegetation. High-pitched 'see' notes often give it away. Song a series of 'see' notes finishing in trill. Usually in small groups, fidgety, always moving and often flicking its wings nervously. Acrobatic, it often hangs upside down and hovers to glean insects. Approachable but can get angry and even fluff up its crown feathers when agitated. ID: Very small and fat, though a little slimmer than RCKI. Striking head pattern, with yellow/orange crown stripe diagnostic. Bold wing pattern with broad greater covert bar accentuated by black base to secondaries - same as RCKI. Black legs, orange feet. Adult ?: orange center to crown, only seen in display or when agitated. All other plumages have yellow crown stripe.