Goldcrest

Regulus regulus

The Goldcrest is the smallest European songbird and is a member of the Warbler family. It is a fairly widespread species, closely associated with coniferous forest.
Goldcrests has olive green upperparts and pale buff underparts. The whitish ring around the eye and the black-edged orange-yellow crown are very distinctive. The male's crown has a small patch of red in the yellow. Juvenile birds lack the colourful crown marking.

Size

9cm

Weight

4.5 - 7g

Habitat

Woodlands, particularly conifer trees. Also visit gardens with trees.

Nest

Made of moss and lichen and held together with spiders webs. Lined with feathers and hair, the nest is slung underneath foliage near the end of a branch. Growing Spuce and fir trees in your garden may encourage them to nest once the trees reach 2m (7ft).

Eggs

2 clutches of 7 - 10 brown-spotted, white or buff eggs in May - July.

Food

Peanut Cake, insects and grated cheese.

Voice

A high, thin warbling song; a high 'zee-zee-zee' call which is used in pairs and flocks to keep in contact.

Characteristics

This tiny bird behaves rather like a tit, searching amongst foliage for insects and spiders. In winter Goldcrests join with flocks of tits and other woodland species. The Goldcrest is sometimes confused with the similar Firecrest which is slightly smaller, has brighter plumage and a dark eye-stripe under a white "eyebrow".

BTO Statistics

Goldcrest populations have suffered declines recently, hence its inclusion on the Amber List.

Breeding

Goldcrests form monogamous pairs and nest-building is undertaken by both male and female birds. They build their nests in Cypress, larch and other conifers, and also in ivy and gorse. The female usually lays the second clutch before the first have fledged leaving their care to the male. Having 2 large broods each year allows the Goldcrest to sustain population figures despite huge losses in cold winters

Feeding

The Goldcrest eats many kinds of spiders and insects, especially flies, aphids, and beetles and their lavae, but they occasionally also take larger types of insects, such as adult moths. Goldcrest rarely visit garden feeding stations, but in extreme cold weather they may take Peanut Cake and grated cheese.