Firecrest
Image: Echo Severs (cc-by-nc)
NameFirecrest
Common NameFirecrest
Scientific NameRegulus ignicapilla
FamilyReguliidae
Wingspan (cm)14.5
Length (cm)9.5
Weight (g)5.5
Plumage DetailsGreenish upperparts, whitish underparts, and a striking head pattern. This includes a prominent black eye-stripe, a white supercilium (eyebrow), and a bright orange (male) or yellow (female) crown stripe bordered by black. It also has a bronze patch on the sides of the neck.
Vocalization / CallA high-pitched, thin 'zi-zi-zi' or 'sri-sri-sri' call, often repeated rapidly. Its song is a series of high-pitched, accelerating notes, ending in a short trill.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsconiferous forest, mixed forest, deciduous forest, parks, gardens
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across much of temperate Europe and northwestern Africa. Migratory in the north and east, resident in the south and west.
Identifying Featuresbright orange/yellow crown stripe, black eye-stripe, white supercilium, small size, greenish upperparts, bronze neck patch
Description
The Firecrest is one of Europe's smallest birds, known for its hyperactive foraging behavior. It is a tiny, plump passerine with a distinctive head pattern, often found flitting through the canopy of coniferous and mixed woodlands.
