BIRDS OF ICELAND goldcrest, Regulus regulus

Regulus regulus; The goldcrest only recently (1999) has settled on iceland as a breeding bird it seems after an invasion in 1996. It can be found in the sparsely wooded areas of iceland like Hallormsstaður, Skorradalur, Þrastarlundur and others. It is the smallest bird of Europe (9cm. just like its close relative the firecrest R. ignicapillus of central and southern Europe). I suppose/speculate this new settlement is a result of the tree planting projects (mainly pines, spruces etc.) One can often hear this bird without actually seeing it, by its hig pitched whistle. This bird is very much associated with needle trees (conifers). It feeds mainly on aphids on these trees. The photo shows a female. The male has a more redish streak over the head than the yellowish streak of the female.

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