Goldcrest at my window

swallowgirl · #1 (**permalink**) 06-12-2011, 08:19 AM

Last week a little Goldcrest was outside my window, fluttering about on a buddleia, then pecking the window. It repeated this behaviour for about 30 mins...and was back the following day. Can anyone tell me what it was doing? I thought it may be something to do with seeing it's reflection, but would that make it return?

htcdude · #2 (**permalink**) 06-12-2011, 08:21 AM

Probably just seeing it's reflection and thinking it's another bird. Seen it with a number of other birds too including Robin, various Tits and Chaffinch.

Happens in the Spring too when males get territorial.

Unless of course you had just cooked a nice meal and it was trying to break through the window to get to it

And welcome to the forum

Nige

swallowgirl · #3 (**permalink**) 06-12-2011, 08:34 AM

Thank you!!

Dogghound · #4 (**permalink**) 06-12-2011, 08:52 AM

The other alternative is that it is feeding on invertebrates. Goldcrest feed heavily on springtails during the winter as well as aphids and mites. A sheltered window near vegetation could potentially be rich in springtail numbers offering a good food source. Some Goldcrest are territorial at this time of year and stay within their territory however without seeing the area or knowing how long the bird has been present (through the year) it is hard to make judgement on this.