Goldcrests are on the Green List of least conservation concern.
Each autumn, our resident Goldcrests are joined by reinforcements that fly here all the way from Scandinavia and Russia to make the most of our milder weather.
Goldcrests are widespread across the UK. You’re most likely to spot them flitting about in the treetops of conifer and mixed woodlands, though they’ll also visit parks and gardens with mature trees.
They’re incredibly active little birds and often dangle upside down as they hunt for insects hidden in the foliage. Winter is prime Goldcrest-spotting season, as migrant arrivals boost numbers. Goldcrests often tag along with roaming tit flocks – so if you think you’ve spotted a Blue Tit, it’s always worth a second look!
Goldcrests are quite common, but their tiny size and love of the treetops mean they can be easy to overlook.
Goldcrests, along with the closely related Firecrest, are the UK’s smallest birds. Weighing the same as a 20-pence piece, these tiny birds are susceptible to the cold weather, and it’s thought that eight out of ten Goldcrests die each winter. Consequently, large clutches are essential for the success of the population, and female Goldcrests can lay up to 12 eggs, weighing one and a half times her body weight!
People once found it so hard to believe that such delicate birds could flap their way across the North Sea that they thought Goldcrests must hitch a ride on the back of migrating Woodcocks! This led to them being nicknamed ‘Woodcock pilots’. Nowadays we know that these tiny travellers are perfectly capable of making the journey all by themselves.
Head outside and discover fascinating birds each month. Read on for top ID tips, what to listen for, and where to see them.
