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By John Trott
The Virginia Naturalist
flights from breeding grounds in New England and Canada. Both species are olive green and have brilliant feathers on their heads which are only revealed when the bird is courting or alarmed.
Kinglets are in constant motion; darting, fluttering, and swooping in search of insect eggs laid near the tips of twigs. Both seem curious yet unafraid of humans and can be lured in for a close look by the sharp sound made by a dry kiss on the back of the hand.
Back to the question: What are the advantages of a diminutive size in birds? There are a number, it seems. These birds do not have to concern themselves with being snatched out of the air by a hawk. Low temperatures and other whims of the weather, including high winds, disrupt nesting and keep small bird populations at a healthy level with the available food supply.
Chickadees, also small, are very tame. One often flutters and scolds over my head when I go to the feeder to put out sunflower seed. Their larger cousins, Tufted Titmice* are less tame, and Cardinals are easily spooked by humans.
So it would appear that a dimunitive bird has less to fear from large predators. Do small birds live longer than large ones? I know not the answer to that one. Since I am not a tall man, I should search out the answer. John Trvtt welcomes reader comment at P.O. Box 515, Flint Hill, Va. 22627.
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