ExploreBirds

Goldcrest

Regulus regulus

The Goldcrest is a tiny bird with a bright yellow crown on its head. It loves to flit around in trees and is known for its sweet, cheerful song. These little birds are very energetic and can often be seen hopping through the branches.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Goldcrest is Europe's smallest bird, featuring an olive-green body and a pale belly. Its most striking feature is a vibrant yellow-orange crest, bordered by black stripes, making it easily identifiable.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyRegulidaeGenusRegulus
Goldcrest
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Goldcrest

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A Goldcrest's heart beats incredibly fast, over 1000 times per minute!

Despite their size, Goldcrests can cross seas during migration! Wow!

Goldcrests build cup-shaped nests so tiny, they are often hidden high in conifer trees!

They lay up to 12 eggs, which is a huge clutch for such a small bird!

Special abilities

Ability

Tiny Acrobat

Goldcrests can cling upside down to branches, expertly searching for insects hidden beneath needles.

Ability

Winter Survivor

Goldcrests have a fast metabolism and shiver constantly to stay warm in freezing winter temperatures.

Ability

Needle Forager

Goldcrests have a very fine, pointed bill that helps them pluck tiny insects from pine needles and crevices.

Measurements & details

Length
8.5-9.5 cm
Wingspan
13-16 cm
Weight
0.004-0.007 kg
Lifespan
2-3 years
Top Speed
30 km/h
Clutch Size
7-12
Incubation
14-17 days
Migration Distance
1000 km

Diet & Feeding

Tiny insect-eaters, they meticulously search for small bugs among tree needles.

Primary Foods

  • Small insects
  • Spiders
  • Insect eggs
  • Larvae

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Goldcrest Kinglet

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and do not try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Goldcrest?

8.5-9.5 cm

What is Goldcrest's wingspan?

13-16 cm

How much does Goldcrest weigh?

0.004-0.007 kg

How long does Goldcrest live?

2-3 years

How fast can Goldcrest move?

30 km/h

What does Goldcrest eat?

Tiny insect-eaters, they meticulously search for small bugs among tree needles.

Where is Goldcrest usually found?

Forests

How does Goldcrest hunt?

Foraging

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