With the firecrest, the goldcrest is the UK's smallest bird. They're dull greyish-green with a pale belly and a black and yellow stripe on their heads, which has an orange centre in males. Their thin beak is ideally suited for picking insects out from between pine needles.
Key ID Features:
It's miniscule, rounded body, shared only by its close relative the Firescrest, is distinctive.
Generally pale green with slightly lighter, buff underside.
The black crown with a bold golden yellow stripe is striking.
Broad white V-shaped wing bars and prominent white wing tips are visible at rest.
It lacks the bold white supercilium and black forehead and eye stripe of the Firecrest.
Overview
Scientific name: Regulus regulus
Family: Warblers and allies (Sylviidae)
Where to see them:
Pine forests are the best places to see goldcrests, but they range around in flocks of other small birds during autumn and winter. They're widespread and common across the whole of the UK; in autumn, large numbers arrive on the east coast from Scandinavia and make their way across dunes to more suitable habitat.
Seen in UK:
Any time of year.
What they eat
Goldcrests eat tiny morsels like spiders, moth eggs and other small insect food.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Location: Avon Valley NR, Salisbury
Photographer: Tim Tapley
