Goldcrest
The goldcrest (Regulus regulus) is a tiny passerine bird in the kinglet family. Its colourful golden crest feathers gives rise to its popular name. The scientific name, R. regulus, means king or knight.[2]
| Goldcrest | |
|---|---|
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| Female R. r. regulus in Lancashire | |
| Male song in Surrey | |
| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Regulidae |
| Genus: | Regulus |
| Species: | R. regulus
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| Binomial name | |
| Regulus regulus | |
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Breeding summer visitor (ranges are approximate)
Resident year-round Winter visitor | |
| Synonyms | |
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There are several subspecies. The bird has a very large distribution range: much of the Palearctic and the islands of Macaronesia and Iceland. Birds from the north and east of its breeding range migrate to winter further south.
The goldcrest breeds in coniferous woodland and in gardens, It builds its compact, three-layered nest on a tree branch. Ten to twelve eggs are incubated by the female alone. The chicks are fed by both parents, and second broods are common.
This little bird is always on the move as it searches for insects to eat. In winter it is often found with flocks of tits. It may be killed by birds of prey or carry parasites, but its large range and population means it is doing quite well. It is not a conservation concern.
Goldcrest Media
The nominate subspecies, R. r. regulus, in Belgium. The goldcrest has a bright crest and a relatively plain face. The orange tinge of the hindcrown indicates that this is a male.
Male in France displaying orange crest feathers that are set within a narrow rim of yellow feathers
Female R. r. regulus in England
R. r. japonensis in Japan
R. r. sikkimensis from Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in Sikkim, India.
Probable male R. r. himalayensis has paler underparts than the European race.
The recently discovered subspecies R. r. ellenthalerae occurs in laurisilva forest on La Palma (above) and El Hierro.
References
- ↑ BirdLife International (2018). "Regulus regulus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN. 2018. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
- ↑ All about the goldcrest