Bird Description

Common breeder in coniferous forest. Wintering birds and migrants found in a variety of trees, sometimes feeding in weedy vegetation, usually in mixed flocks. Very active, often flicks wings and calls 'chidit.' Hovers to pick and glean insects from underside of branches. ID: A small round ball of feathers with a short tail. Relatively nondescript except for bold eyering, which on closer inspection is only broad in front and behind the eye. Fine bill. Wings are boldly patterned as GCKI, flight feather fringes being the brightest part of the bird. Although ? averages greener rather than grayer upperparts, ages and sexes similar. Orange feet look out of place on black legs. Ad ?: red crown that is usually only seen when agitated.