Common Firecrest
NameCommon Firecrest
Common NameCommon Firecrest
Scientific NameRegulus ignicapilla
FamilyRegulidae
Wingspan (cm)14.5
Length (cm)9.5
Weight (g)5.5
Plumage DetailsThis bird has an olive-green back, greyish-white underparts, and a distinctive head pattern. It features a prominent black eye-stripe, a bright white supercilium (eyebrow), and a vivid orange (males) or yellow (females) crown stripe bordered by black. There is also a white wing bar.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations are typically high-pitched, thin, and often repetitive calls, described as 'zit-zit-zit' or 'sree-sree-sree'. Its song is a rapid series of these high-pitched notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsconiferous forest, mixed forest, parks, gardens
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThe Common Firecrest is found across temperate Europe, extending from the Iberian Peninsula eastwards to western Russia, and also in parts of northwest Africa.
Identifying Featuressmall size, bright orange/yellow crown stripe bordered by black, black eye-stripe, white supercilium, olive-green back, white wing bar
Description
The Common Firecrest is a tiny, active passerine known for its vibrant head markings. It forages constantly among foliage for small insects, often flicking its wings and tail. This species is one of Europe's smallest birds.
