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 tiny bird has bright olive-green upperparts and whitish underparts. Its head is strikingly marked with a prominent black eye-stripe, a white supercilium, and a vibrant crown stripe: bright orange in males and yellow in females, bordered by black.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations are high-pitched, thin, and often repetitive 'zit-zit-zit' calls, slightly stronger and less high-pitched than those of a Goldcrest. The song is a rapid series of high-pitched notes that accelerate and rise in pitch.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsconiferous forest, mixed forest, deciduous forest, parks, gardens
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across temperate Europe, extending into northwest Africa and parts of the Middle East. It is a resident in much of its range, with some northern and eastern populations migrating south for winter.
Identifying Featuresbright orange or yellow crown stripe bordered by black, black eye-stripe, white supercilium, olive-green upperparts, very small size
Description
The Common Firecrest is one of Europe's smallest birds, known for its hyperactive foraging behavior. It typically flits rapidly through foliage, gleaning small insects and spiders from leaves and branches.
