Goldcrest

Yellow feathers on the head resembling a chrysanthemum flower

Scientific name	Regulus regulus
English name	Goldcrest
Japanese name	菊戴
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Regulidae
Genus	Regulus
Species	regulus
Full length	Approximately 10cm
Distribution	Mid- to high-latitude areas of Eurasia. In Japan, it is found from central Honshu northward.

Goldcrest Characteristics and Morphology

A small bird characterized by yellow feathers running vertically along the crown. It is one of the smallest birds in Japan, along with the Eurasian wren.
Characterized by yellow feathers running vertically along the crown. The head has black, yellow, and black stripes running vertically. The face has white feathers, and the profile is pale gray. The eyes are round with black irises. The beak is short and stubby. The back of the body is grayish-olive. The flight feathers have white and black stripes, giving an impression similar to the wings of a Japanese Grosbeak. The belly is white. The tail feathers are M-shaped. The legs are brown.

Male

Males have red or orange feathers mixed in with the yellow part of the head.

Female

Females do not have orange mixed in with the yellow part of the head.

Song

Sings in a small voice, such as "chichich" or "chee."

Goldcrest Ecology

Habitat

Inhabits coniferous forests.

Food

Preys on arthropods and other invertebrates.

Life Cycle

Found in mountainous areas from spring to summer, but may descend to lower elevations in winter.

Goldcrest Photos

Goldcrest Photos are introduced.
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Goldcrest Behavior

Hunts while moving quickly. Sometimes hovers.

Goldcrest Information

Naming

The scientific name "regulus" means "little king" and is derived from its crown-like appearance. The head has black, yellow, and black stripes running vertically, which is the origin of the Japanese name "Kiku-itadaki" (chrysanthemum crown).

Goldcrest Found Locations

Katakurajōseki Park

Found in the forest next to the shrine in Katakurajōseki Park, Hachiōji. Not usually seen. It seemed to be foraging, moving quickly from branch to branch. It also hovered.