Firecrest
Image: kater_kat (cc-by-nc)
NameFirecrest
Common NameFirecrest
Scientific NameRegulus ignicapilla
FamilyReguliidae
Wingspan (cm)14.5
Length (cm)9.5
Weight (g)5.5
Plumage DetailsBright yellowish-green upperparts and greyish-white underparts. The head features a prominent white supercilium above a black eye-stripe, and a bright orange (male) or yellow (female) crown stripe bordered by black. It also has a bronze patch on the side of the neck and two white wing bars.
Vocalization / CallA high-pitched, thin, and often repeated 'zi-zi-zi' or 'sri-sri-sri' call, which can accelerate into a short trill.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsconiferous forest, mixed forest, parks, gardens
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across temperate Europe and parts of northwest Africa, with populations being resident in the west and south, and migratory in the east and north.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Bright orange/yellow crown stripe bordered by black, Prominent white supercilium, Black eye-stripe, Yellowish-green upperparts, Bronze patch on neck side, Two white wing bars
Description
The Firecrest is a tiny, active songbird, Europe's second smallest, known for its vibrant plumage and distinctive head markings. It constantly flits through foliage, foraging for small insects.
