Goldcrest
Regulus regulus
Length 9cm

Our smallest bird, common in suitable habitats throughout most of mainland Britain and Ireland. Has leaf warbler appearance with needle-like bill, large dark eyes and proportionately large head with seemingly short neck. Upperparts greenish with two pale wingbars and underparts yellowish buff. Adult male has black-bordered orange crown, that of the female being yellow; juvenile lacks adult's crown markings. During breeding season, found in areas of mixed woodland, conifer forests and sometimes in gardens with conifer hedges. In winter, becomes more widespread and then seen in deciduous woodland as well.