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What is Britain’s Smallest Bird?

By Russ 2 Comments

The Goldcrest blends into the background well and loves thick evergreen cover.

Of the many spring garden birds, one of the most fascinating is the Goldcrest. Along with its relative the Firecrest, this species is the smallest bird in the British Isles!

Even smaller than the wren, a goldcrest weighs roughly the same as a 5 pence coin!

Because of this it can be tricky to spot. The first time I saw it, I thought it was a falling leaf!

The Goldcrest is an insectivore, feeding on small invertebrates in finds hiding between the pine needles.It’s back is mossy green for camouflage and on it’s head it sports a single golden stripe.

The chances are you will also have seen a Goldcrest at some point, as it is a year-round resident, found right across the UK.

The easiest way to locate the Goldcrest is by using our ears. The birds call is a gentle trail of notes that sounds like it’s singing ‘figaro, figaro, figaro‘ over and over, increasing in volume throughout.

A common garden bird, Goldcrests love to hide in dense conifer trees for protection. They feed on small invertebrates hiding inside pine cones.

By providing them with their favourite hiding place like a tall evergreen tree, you too can stand a chance of hosting Britain’s Smallest Bird in your own garden!

Don’t forget…

To learn more about what wildlife services we offer at Nature Talks and Walks, why not explore our ‘About Us‘ section.

You can also leave a comment below or email a picture and you could be featured in our future blogs! You can email us at:

[email protected]

Take care and remember, stay on the wild side!

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Filed Under: British Birds Tagged With: evergreen, firecrest, garden goldcrest, goldcrest, how to see the goldcrest, what is britain's smallest bird?, what lives in conifer trees?

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. jim payne says

    July 21, 2020 at 2:04 pm

    I am living in Arundel W.Sussex for a while.
    In the garden of my rental, I have several times seen a very very small bird that I thought first time was a butterfly. I have seen it several times more. It is like a tiny Swallow in shape, flies quite slow and low.
    I never have time to get my phone out to photograph it.
    Any ideas?

    Reply
    • Russ says

      August 10, 2020 at 5:06 pm

      It could be a dunnock if it is flying very low of a goldcrest if it is very small 😉

      Reply

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