Firecrest

"Regulus ignicapillus"

The Firecrest is an incredibly rare bird with only around 550 known pairs in the uk. They are migratory.

To distinguish from the similar goldcrest it has

an orange/yellow stripe on the centre of its head compared to yellow on a goldcrest. It also has a semi circular black stripe which becomes an orange collar.

You will find this tiny passerine among holly or beech.

They eat only insects.

I have a photo of a similar Goldcrest in flight

taking insects out of the air.

They do not eat bird seeds and are not native to the uk.

They are approximately 9cm in length.

They have a wingspan of 13 to 16cm.

They weigh in at an incredible 5 to 7g.

Firecrest