Common Firecrest

Regulus ignicapilla

Genus · Firecrests, Goldcrests, and Allies Family · Kinglets
Observation tips Difficulty: HARD
Best time
🕒 Any
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Best months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Observation habitat
Berry bushesCanopy foliageConiferous branches

Look for the 'bandit mask' face pattern. A bold white eyebrow and black eye-stripe distinguish it from the Goldcrest.

Common Firecrest

♂ Male · ♀ Female

Stats
Wingspan13–16 cm
Weight4–7 g
Length9–10 cm
Lifespan wild2–4 yrs
Size
XS
S
M
L
XL
Nesting
Nest typeCup
Clutch size7–11 eggs
Incubation14–16 days
Breeding months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Regional Status (Europe)
LC
Least Concern (Europe)
IUCN Red List
MigrationPartial migratory
Social BehaviourMonogamous pairs

Diet: Insectivore

🦗Insects
🕷️Spiders

Habitat

🌲 Forest coniferous🌳 Forest deciduous🌲🌳 Forest mixed🏡 Garden🏙️ Urban
✦ Fun Fact

Despite its tiny size, the Firecrest is surprisingly aggressive and will chase other small birds — including other Firecrests — away from its feeding area.

About

One of Europe's smallest birds. It is a tiny, restless gem of the forest. It has a bronze-green back and a white belly. Its head features a bold white eyebrow and a sharp black eye-stripe. It lives in both coniferous and broadleaved woodlands.

Behaviour

Firecrests are incredibly active. They hover at branch tips to pick off tiny spiders. Their song is a high-pitched, accelerating series of notes. When agitated, the male raises his brilliant orange crest like a flickering flame.

Sexual Dimorphism

♂ Male

Has a bright orange-red center in his crest, bordered by black.

♀ Female

Her crest center is bright yellow rather than orange. She shares the same bold facial stripes as the male.

Similar species

Goldcrest
🐦
Goldcrest
Regulus regulus
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