Europes smallest bird - The Goldcrest

The little goldcrest is constantly on the move as it searches for insects to eat, and in winter it is often found with flocks of tits. It often searches conifers for small insects and ants. The goldcrest can be found nearly all over Europe and in large parts of Asia. It is easy disctinguishable from other birds because of its golden crest on the forehead, only the Common firecrest which can be destinguished from the goldcrest by its white stripe above the eyes.

I found this specimen in the northern part of Upper Austria at the border to the Czech Republic. There are large coniferous forests that allow this species to prosper. Now in winter I have to visit this spots again for some more pictures of these birds but also a special buzzard that can be found there during this time of the year. Maybe this year I will get some pictures of other birds that I initially wanted to find there too. But this is always luck when I visit spots like this only for some hours and then have to head back home again. And in winter the duration of nice light is also very short.

Goldcrest looking for ants on a conifer. Picture: Florian Glechner.

Little goldcrest on a conifer. Picture: Florian Glechner.

Inspecting the needles of the tree. Picture: Florian Glechner.

Goldcrests are difficult to photograph since they are very fast and small. Picture: Florian Glechner.

Goldcrest climbing a conifer. Picture: Flroian Glechner.