The Goldcrest is the smallest resident songbird in the UK.
In the winter it joins up with flocks of tits and other woodland species. In the autumn large numbers of migrants also arrive, and large numbers can be found in coastal bushes on the east & south coast during this period.
Indentification
Adult
The Goldcrest is a tiny rotund bird with a shortish tail. Its face is plain with large dark eyes and fine moustachial streaks. Its crown has a distinctive golden - orange blaze bordered by black. Its back is olive - green, wings black with broad white margin and clear single or sometimes double wingbar.Its under part are Buffy- white in colour.
Juvenile
the young Goldcrest has a plain crown.
Size
8.5 - 9cm
Bill
black short and thin.
Legs
black: medium in length
Habitat
The Goldcrest can be found almost anywhere there are trees & bushes, especially conifers. They are also in abundance in suburban parks and large gardens.
Behaviour
flits, takes off & lands on vegetation.
Flocking
Flight
undulating, flittering, hovers.
Voice
high pitched zi - zi - zi repeating, song similar but ending in a flourish.
