Firecrest
Regulus ignicapilla
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Firecrest is a tiny, vibrant bird with a distinctive orange-gold crest bordered by black stripes. Its upperparts are olive-green, while the underparts are pale grey to white. A prominent white supercilium contrasts with a black eye stripe.
Males have a brighter orange crest compared to the yellow crest of females. Juveniles resemble adults but have duller plumage and lack the colourful crest until their first autumn.
They are named for the bright yellow and orange crown feathers that they can raise at will.
These birds are most easily confused with the much commoner Goldcrest. While similar in size, the Goldcrest has a more compact appearance and lacks the contrasting facial stripes of the adult Firecrest.
Size
Length
9cm to 10cm
Wingspan
13cm to 16cm
Weight
4g to 7g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Firecrests inhabit coniferous and mixed woodlands across Europe, from the UK to western Russia. They prefer areas with dense canopy cover, particularly favouring spruce and fir forests.
Some populations move to lower elevations or more southerly regions in winter. In the UK, they are year-round residents in southern England, with numbers increasing in winter due to continental migrants.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,600 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Mediterranean
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Firecrest. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Firecrest displays remarkable agility, constantly flitting through foliage and even hanging upside down from branches whilst foraging. Their ability to hover briefly and navigate dense canopies demonstrates exceptional manoeuvrability for their tiny size.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As one of Europe's smallest birds, weighing about as much as a teaspoon of sugar, the Firecrest has limited physical strength. However, they can construct intricate nests and are capable of surviving harsh winter conditions, indicating some degree of resilience.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Firecrests show high adaptability by thriving in various woodland habitats up to 1,600 metres elevation. Their ability to survive temperatures as low as -15°C and adjust their range seasonally demonstrates considerable adaptability to changing environments.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Whilst not typically aggressive, male Firecrests perform elaborate courtship displays, fanning their colourful crests to attract females. This behaviour suggests a moderate level of territorial and mating-related assertiveness, though they are not known for aggressive interactions with other species.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Despite their diminutive size, Firecrests exhibit impressive endurance. Their constant activity in foraging, ability to survive harsh winters, and capacity for seasonal movements all point to a surprisingly high level of stamina for such a small bird.
Diet
Firecrests primarily feed on small insects and spiders found in trees. They specialise in gleaning tiny prey from the undersides of leaves and branches, often hovering momentarily to snatch insects from foliage. Their diet may include aphids, moth eggs, and small caterpillars.
Behaviour
Firecrests are highly active, constantly flitting through foliage in search of insects. They often hang upside down from branches, probing for prey.
During the breeding season, males perform elaborate courtship displays, fanning their colourful crests to attract females.
Vocalisation
Firecrests have a high-pitched, thin call often described as 'zee-zee-zee' or 'si-si-si'. Their song is a series of high, squeaky notes that crescendo into a rapid trill, typically lasting 3-4 seconds. The song is often so high-pitched that it can be difficult for some people to hear.
Nesting & Breeding
Firecrest pairs form in early spring, with males performing elaborate courtship displays. The breeding season typically runs from April to July.
Nests are intricately constructed, suspended hammocks made of moss, lichen, and spider webs, usually placed high in conifer trees. Females lay 7-12 tiny cream-coloured eggs with fine reddish-brown speckles.
Incubation lasts about 14-16 days, and the female primarily carries out the process. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after 18-22 days but remain dependent on the adults for several more weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Firecrests face threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and climate change. Conservation efforts focus on preserving mature woodlands and promoting sustainable forestry practices to maintain suitable habitats.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for quick movements in the upper canopy of coniferous and mixed woodlands
- Listen for their high-pitched, thin 'zee-zee-zee' call
- Observe their habit of hovering briefly while foraging
- In the UK, check evergreen trees in parks and gardens during winter
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include small raptors like Sparrowhawks, as well as domestic cats, squirrels, and corvids that may raid nests.
Did You Know?
- Firecrests are among the smallest birds in Europe, weighing about the same as a teaspoon of sugar.
- Their nests are so small and well-camouflaged that they are rarely found by humans.
- Despite their tiny size, Firecrests can survive temperatures as low as -15°C.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Regulus ignicapilla. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22735002A87781502.
View source - 3
report, 2015: EBCC
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