Firecrest
Image: Богданович Светлана (cc-by-nc)
NameFirecrest
Common NameFirecrest
Scientific NameRegulus ignicapilla
FamilyRegulidae
Wingspan (cm)14.5
Length (cm)9.5
Weight (g)5.5
Plumage DetailsIt has bright olive-green upperparts and whitish underparts. The head features a prominent black eye-stripe, a white supercilium, and a striking orange (male) or yellow (female) crown stripe bordered by black. A bronze patch is visible on the sides of the neck.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a high-pitched, thin 'zit-zit-zit' or 'sri-sri-sri', often repeated. The song is a series of high-pitched notes that accelerate and increase in volume towards the end.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsconiferous forest, mixed woodland, parks, gardens
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across temperate Europe and northwestern Africa. Northern populations are migratory, wintering in southern Europe and North Africa, while western and southern populations are largely resident.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Bright orange/yellow crown stripe bordered by black, Black eye-stripe and white supercilium, Olive-green upperparts, Bronze patch on neck sides
Description
The Firecrest is one of Europe's smallest birds, characterized by its vibrant head pattern. It is an active and restless species, constantly flitting through foliage in search of small insects and spiders.
