Firecrest
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Alexis_Lours" title="User:Alexis Lours">Alexis Lours</a> (CC BY 4.0)
NameFirecrest
Common NameCommon Firecrest
Scientific NameRegulus ignicapilla
FamilyRegulidae
Wingspan (cm)14.5
Length (cm)9.5
Weight (g)5.5
Plumage DetailsThe Common Firecrest has a bright olive-green back, whitish underparts, and a distinctive head pattern. This includes a black eye-stripe, a prominent white supercilium (eyebrow), and a bright orange (male) or yellow (female) crown stripe bordered by black. Its wings show two white bars.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a high-pitched, thin, and often repeated 'zi-zi-zi' or 'sree-sree-sree' sound, similar to a Goldcrest but often slightly louder and more emphatic.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsconiferous forest, mixed forest, deciduous forest, parks, gardens
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across much of temperate Europe and northwest Africa, with some populations migrating south for winter.
Identifying Featuresbright orange/yellow crown stripe bordered by black, black eye-stripe, prominent white supercilium, olive-green back, two white wing bars, tiny size
Description
A tiny and active passerine, the Common Firecrest is characterized by its vibrant head pattern and constant foraging among foliage. It moves rapidly through trees and bushes, often hanging upside down to find insects.
