Goldcrest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Goldcrest |
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| Female R. r. regulus in Lancashire | |
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Breeding summer visitor
(ranges are approximate)Resident year-round Winter visitor |
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The Goldcrest (Regulus regulus) is a super tiny bird! It belongs to a group called passerines, which are often called "perching birds." This little bird is part of the kinglet family. Its name comes from the bright, golden feathers on its head, which look like a small crown or "crest." In fact, its scientific name, R. regulus, means "little king" or "knight."
Goldcrests are found across a huge area, including much of Europe, Asia, and even some islands like Macaronesia and Iceland. Birds from colder northern and eastern areas often migrate south for the winter.
This busy bird builds its neat, three-layered nest on tree branches, especially in coniferous forests and gardens. The female Goldcrest lays many tiny eggs, usually between ten and twelve. She takes care of incubating them all by herself. Once the chicks hatch, both parents work together to feed them. It's common for Goldcrests to have a second group of babies in the same year!
Goldcrests are always moving, flitting through trees as they search for insects to eat. In winter, you might spot them with groups of tits, which are other small birds. Even though they can be hunted by birds of prey or get parasites, Goldcrests are doing very well. There are many of them, and they live in a wide range of places. Because of this, they are not a conservation concern, meaning they are not currently at risk.
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The Amazing Goldcrest Bird
The Goldcrest is one of Europe's smallest birds, weighing about the same as a 20-cent coin! Its most famous feature is the bright yellow or orange stripe on its head. This stripe is what gives the bird its name, making it look like a tiny king with a crown.
What Does a Goldcrest Look Like?
Goldcrests are very small, usually only about 8.5 to 9.5 centimeters (about 3.3 to 3.7 inches) long. They have a wingspan of about 13 to 16 centimeters (5.1 to 6.3 inches). Their bodies are mostly olive-green, with pale undersides. They have a small, pointed beak and dark eyes that stand out on their plain faces.
The most striking part of a Goldcrest is its head. Both male and female Goldcrests have a bright yellow stripe on their crown. However, the male's stripe has a fiery orange center, which he can show off when he's excited or trying to attract a mate. This orange patch is hidden most of the time.
Where Do Goldcrests Live?
Goldcrests live in many different places across Europe and Asia. They prefer forests with coniferous trees, like firs and spruces, because these trees offer good places to hide and find food. You can also find them in parks and gardens, especially if there are evergreen trees.
Some Goldcrests stay in the same place all year round. Others, especially those from colder northern regions, fly south for the winter. This journey is called migration. They often travel at night and can sometimes get confused by bright lights, like those from lighthouses, especially on foggy nights.
Goldcrest Life Cycle and Nesting
Goldcrests are very busy parents! They usually start building their nests in spring.
- Nests: Their nests are tiny, neat cups made of moss, lichen, spiderwebs, and small twigs. They often hang from thin branches high up in conifer trees, hidden by the needles. The nest is built in three layers, making it strong and warm.
- Eggs: The female lays a large number of tiny, pale eggs, sometimes as many as 10 to 12. These eggs are very small, about the size of a pea!
- Chicks: The female sits on the eggs to keep them warm (this is called incubation). After about 14 to 17 days, the chicks hatch. Both parents then work hard to feed the hungry babies.
- Second Broods: Goldcrests often have two groups of chicks in one year. While the male is still feeding the first group, the female might start building a new nest and lay more eggs for a second group of babies!
What Do Goldcrests Eat?
Goldcrests are insect eaters, also known as insectivores. They spend most of their time flitting around the outer branches of trees, looking for tiny insects and spiders. They are very active and rarely stay still for long.
- Main Diet: Their diet mainly consists of small insects like aphids, springtails, and tiny caterpillars. They also eat spider eggs and other small invertebrates.
- Hunting Style: They often hover in the air or hang upside down to pick insects from leaves and twigs. Their small size and quick movements help them find food in places larger birds can't reach.
Goldcrests and Other Birds
Goldcrests are generally peaceful birds. In winter, it's common to see them joining flocks of other small birds, like tits (such as Blue Tits and Great Tits). They do this to help each other find food and stay safe from predators. More eyes mean more chances to spot danger!
Even though they are small, Goldcrests are quite hardy. They can survive cold winters by constantly feeding to keep their energy up. Their large population and wide range mean they are a common and successful bird species.
Images for kids
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The Goldcrest in Belgium. The orange color on the back of the head shows this is a male.
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A male Goldcrest in France showing off his orange crest feathers.
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A female Goldcrest in England.
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A Goldcrest subspecies from Japan.
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A likely male Goldcrest from the Himalayas, which has lighter feathers on its belly than the European Goldcrest.
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The silver fir, a type of tree Goldcrests like to nest in.
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Goldcrests and other migrating birds can be drawn to lighthouses on foggy nights.
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Springtails are a common food for Goldcrests.
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A Goldcrest in winter in the UK.
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Fishing Boats Offshore by John Moore. Fishermen used to call the Goldcrest the "herring spink."
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An old drawing of a Goldcrest nest and a conifer branch.
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A Goldcrest specimen from a museum.
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A Goldcrest subspecies from the Azores.
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A Goldcrest subspecies from the Canary Islands.
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A Goldcrest subspecies from Tenerife.
See also
In Spanish: Reyezuelo sencillo para niños
