Goldcrest

The Goldcrest, Regulus regulus, is a very small passerine bird in the kinglet family. It breeds in most of temperate Europe and Asia. It is partially migratory, with northern birds wintering south of the breeding range. In winter it is often found with tit flocks. It resembles the Firecrest, but is plainer faced.

This is the smallest European bird at 8.5 to 9.5cm. It is greenish above and has whitish underparts. It has two white wingbars and a plain face. It has a crest, orange in the male and yellow in the female, which is displayed during breeding. This is a restless species, constantly on the move as they search for insects.

The Canary Islands form has a black band across the forehead, and yellower wingbars. It is often considered a separate species, the Canary Islands Kinglet, Regulus teneriffae.

The Goldcrest is a bird of coniferous woodlands, although it is more catholic in winter habitats. They build an open nest and 4–12 eggs are laid.