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 species has olive-green upperparts and whitish underparts. Its most distinctive features are on the head: a prominent black eye-stripe, a bright white supercilium, and a vivid crown stripe that is orange in males and yellow in females, bordered by black.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a high-pitched, thin, and often repetitive 'zi-zi-zi' or 'sri-sri-sri'. The song is a series of high-pitched notes, often accelerating and increasing in volume.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsconiferous forest, mixed forest, deciduous forest, parks, gardens
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across much of temperate Europe and parts of northwest Africa. Western and southern populations are largely resident, while eastern populations may undertake short-distance migrations south for the winter.
Identifying Featuresbright orange/yellow crown stripe bordered by black, black eye-stripe, white supercilium, very small size, olive-green upperparts
Description
The Common Firecrest is a tiny, plump passerine bird, easily recognized by its vibrant head pattern. It is an active species, constantly foraging for insects among the foliage of trees and shrubs.
