goldcrest

The smallest European bird, the goldcrest, is widespread in Europe and Asia and builds its nest high up in trees.

Smallest European bird, about 9 cm/3.5 in long and weighing 5 g/0.011 lb; a warbler. It is olive green, with a bright orange-yellow streak running from the beak to the back of the head and a black border above the eye. The tail is brown, marked with black and white, and the cheeks, throat, and breast are a greyish white. (Species Regulus regulus, family Muscicapidae, order Passeriformes.)

The goldcrest builds its nest in conifers. It is found all over Europe, particularly frequenting fir woods. In winter it can be found feeding with tit flocks, moving through deciduous woodlands.