# 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. - **Category:** [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/bird) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Forests - **Also known as:** Goldcrest Kinglet ![Goldcrest](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Regulus_regulus_-Marwell_Wildlife%252C_Hampshire%252C_England-8.jpg&width=800) Photo: Missy Osborn from New Forest, England, CC BY-SA 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Regulus_regulus_-Marwell_Wildlife%252C_Hampshire%252C_England-8.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Aves - **Order:** Passeriformes - **Family:** Regulidae - **Genus:** Regulus ## 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 - **Tiny Acrobat:** Goldcrests can cling upside down to branches, expertly searching for insects hidden beneath needles. - **Winter Survivor:** Goldcrests have a fast metabolism and shiver constantly to stay warm in freezing winter temperatures. - **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 - **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 - **Eaten by:** [Eurasian Sparrowhawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eurasian-sparrowhawk) (*Accipiter nisus*) — A raptor that preys on small birds like Goldcrests. - **Eaten by:** [Domestic Cat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/domestic-cat) (*Felis catus*) — A common predator of small birds in gardens and parks. - **Depends on:** [Norway Spruce](https://www.snappit.app/explore/norway-spruce) (*Picea abies*) — Goldcrests frequently nest and forage within spruce tree canopies. ## Traits - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Singing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/singing): Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species. - [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. ## Collections - [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/birds) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always watch birds from a distance and do not try to touch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Goldcrest? Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## More Birds - [Black-crowned Night Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-crowned-night-heron) (*Nycticorax nycticorax*) - [Anna's Hummingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/annas-hummingbird) (*Calypte anna*) - [Great Egret](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-egret) (*Ardea alba*) - [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) --- Source: [Goldcrest: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/goldcrest)