Oli's Ecology Blog

The Goldcrest is a small golden… bird and along with the Firecrest is the Uk’s smallest bird. Not to be confused with the Firecrest it has a distinct black mark around its eye but can easily be mistaken. The Goldcrest is a partly migratory bird that comes from Scandinavia and even Russia to the UK to enjoy the warmer weather. Being so small they are only about 5g in weight (the same as a cube of sugar).

(Photo credit: Cornwall wildlife trust) The Goldcrest is known as a “Little King” crowned with a yellow tuft and when singing, perks up to be notable. Their scientific name Regulus regulus (literally ‘little king’) is a grand emphasis on such a tiny fellow at only 9cm long with most adults. Whilst despite their small size they are often seen all around the UK and a fond inhabitant of all environments where there is berry plenty.

(MarnixBirdGallery, 2019) Goldcrest are fond occupants of coniferous and mixed woodland they zip around in groups or sometimes pairs everywhere including more urban scenes such as parks, gardens and nature reserves. They mainly predate tiny spiders and moth eggs with their expert beaks (Insectivorous) which are pointed and slender.

Their call is characteristic of most small birds such as tits with a “fiddle di di di” on loop. And is so high pitched that after the age of 80 most people won’t be able to hear it well, if at all. SO if you do hear one, just stop and take it in.

(Photo credit: BirdWatchIreland) The only real confusion species is their incredibly similar “Firecrest – Regulus ignicipilla” This is a rarer species that have only the slightest details different looks wise, imagine the Goldcrest with eyeliner and generally a darker fiery hue. The firecrest also has an orange crest which conveniently is hard to distinguish, as adult male Goldcrest often have orange-ey feathers hidden in their crest already and often show them in territory/competitive displays. Below is a firecrest:

Photo credit: GardenBird