Gold or Firecrest?

[mrs fish]

There were two of these flitting about in the trees this morning, they would not keep still so I am having a trouble id-ing them, I took about 20 pics and this was the only one with the bird in it
They were very tiny
I didn't have my bins with me.

[The Black Rabbit]

Goldcrest.
Doug

[Lance Morgan]

I'd agree with black Rabbit. Firecrest has whiter underparts.

[mrs fish]

Thanks

I looked up their sound but they are described as very similar so couldn't go on that.

[PMG]

Like Doug - on balence I would say goldcrest:

Firecrest despite the pics in books actually looks nothing like a goldcrest (in my opinion - we were fortunate to have one at work for a week a few years ago - Orrell Water Park) The white eyestripe is really obvious and it appeared slimmer - much more warbler-like and significantly faster moving - which if you think you've had trouble keeping up with a godcrest

For years with me it was always the case of could that goldcrest be a firecrest - until I'd actually seen a firecrest - now I've 'got my eye in' I can tell the difference

PS I thought the its call was louder and much sharper than goldcrest..........

Pauline

[vole-woman]

I love these little birds. Such a treat to see them!

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by mrs fish

Thanks

I looked up their sound but they are described as very similar so couldn't go on that.

goldcrests look much 'cuter' (like a cartoon chick)with a more open expression caused by the lack of facial markings, firecrests just don't seem to have this cute look...

[The Black Rabbit]

Originally Posted by vole-woman

I love these little birds. Such a treat to see them!

Yes. I certainly agree Vole Woman!
I often used to think they sounded a wee bit pathetic, with their little high pitched peeping, (and you could argue they do I suppose), but they are SUPERB little things to observe. I'll never forget when we first had them in the garden, and I wish they were back!
Doug

[paulchandler6]

Originally Posted by PMG

PS I thought the its call was louder and much sharper than goldcrest..........
Pauline

With a bit of practise you can tell them apart by call.
Goldcrest turn up on a regular basis in my garden usually in ones or twos accompanying a Tit flock. They never keep still long enough for me to get a pic.

Paul

[mrs fish]

One of what I think was the same bird ended up visiting the garden last night at dusk, it was I suppose calling the other bird and its song ended in a trill?

I will try to get a good look to-day if poss

[m1.carson]

Strewth, you lot must have good eyes, I can hardly see the participating bird, I'm not knocking the photo, most of my better ones look like that.

Max.

[ron1863]

Originally Posted by paulchandler6

With a bit of practise you can tell them apart by call.
Goldcrest turn up on a regular basis in my garden usually in ones or twos accompanying a Tit flock. They never keep still long enough for me to get a pic.

Paul

We have flocks of them where I live and I have noticed that they always seem to fly with the tits, are they related in any way?

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by ron1863

We have flocks of them where I live and I have noticed that they always seem to fly with the tits, are they related in any way?

They are both warblers, so not related I have noticed them with groups of tits before though, protection in numbers maybe?

[aeshna5]

Yes at this time of year quite a few birds tag around with tit flocks, not just the crests, but other warblers such as Chiffchaff (currently there's been a Yellow-browed Warbler with such a flock in Barnes area), Treecreeper +if you're very lucky even a Lesser-spotted Woodpecker. Always worth checking those tit flocks for something exciting!

[paulchandler6]

As Aeshna5 says, its well worth checking Tit flocks for other species. I've had Treecreeper & Chiffchaff in the garden with a Tit flock.
I find August/September a good time as a lot of Warblers tend to collect with the flocks of Tits as well.


Paul