Goldcrest
Regulus regulus
Aves › Passeriformes › Regulidae › Regulus
Conservation status: least_concern
The Goldcrest is Europe's smallest bird, weighing less than a penny, with a distinctive bright orange or yellow crest on its head that it raises when alarmed or excited. Despite its tiny size, it's a hardy year-round resident that hunts for insects in conifer forests and evergreen trees, often hanging upside down on branch tips in its acrobatic search for food.
How To Identify
These tiny passerines are recognizable by their brilliant yellow plumage and characteristic gold crest, which can be displayed or flattened. They measure only about 10–12 cm long, giving them a delicate yet striking appearance.
Habitat
The Goldcrest lives in conifer woodland and mixed forest.
Behaviour
The Goldcrest exhibits the behavior of constantly flicking its wings and emitting a high-pitched 'seee' call.
Native Range
The Goldcrest is native to much of the Palearctic and the islands of Macaronesia and Iceland.
Did You Know?
Europe's smallest bird at around 5 g; yet it migrates thousands of kilometres across the North Sea.
Create a free account to log your sightings of the Goldcrest, see where it has been recorded near you and build your Wild List.
Privacy · Terms · Credits · Join the beta