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The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Back view of firecrest Close up on berries and leaves of variegated holly Firecrest in pine tree
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Firecrest

Amber conservation status

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Latin name

Regulus ignicapillus

Family

Warblers and allies (Sylviidae)

Overview

This tiny, restless jewel of a bird vies with the goldcrest for the title of the UK's smallest bird. It is now an established breeding species, although only in very small numbers. It differs from a goldcrest in having brighter green upperparts, whiter underparts and a fiery orange crown stripe with broad whitish eyebrow stripe, and below that a short black stripe through the eye. Its small breeding population makes it an Amber List species.

Where to see them

Breeds mainly in south-east England and passage birds are seen largely on the east and south coasts. Best looked for in bushes and trees, especially conifers, often in the company of goldcrests.

When to see them

All year round, but passage birds arrive in September and October, with a return movement in March and April.

What they eat

Insects and spiders

Estimated numbers

EuropeUK breeding*UK wintering*UK passage*
-80-250 males--

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)

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1 illustration

Illustrations
Firecrest

Firecrest

Similar birds

Goldcrest (illustration)

Goldcrest

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Latest news

Woodland birds in decline

Latest results from the BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) puts woodland birds at the top of the list of declining species.

New wetland could see continental birds arriving in Kent

Restoration of a large area of Kent countryside to wildlife-rich wetland could see the garden of England become a landing pad for bird species moving north from Europe as the climate warms.

Seabird failure continues for another year

Early reports of seabird breeding performance on some RSPB coastal reserves, especially in parts of Scotland and Wales, indicate continuing problems for internationally-important populations of guillemots, kittiwakes and other seabirds.

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© 2008 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Charity registered in England and Wales no 207076, in Scotland no SC037654
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Last published: 14/06/2008 01:18:21
Show/hide picture credits
Back view of firecrest - Steve Round
Close up on berries and leaves of variegated holly - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com, Ref: 2001_2534_009)
Firecrest in pine tree - Steve Round
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)