The difference between Firecrests and Goldcrests?

From photos the white stripe looks noticeable so will probably be the easiest way

Why do you ask Blackbird?  Have you seen one?

hi Darren

Thank you for your information about the birds in question.

What you have said makes it more complete what to look for.  I know they like to hang about with members of the Tit family as a rule.  So you look for a group of Tits, you simply watch for another associated birds in the same group.

I knew about the Firecrests white eye stripe from before.  That was something I have used all along for any ID's of the two similar birds.

We where lucky to see a Firecrest this year at Putnoe Wood Nature Reserve close to where we stay.  The bird was very distinctive and the bright vivid highlight orange plume was unmistakeable.  This bird was flashing its head plume very distinctly while we observed it from under its tree for a few minutes and it was superb to see it all happening in front of our eyes.

We have seen a few Goldcrests now so we have a good idea what they look like. Goldcrests seem to like to hide in the dense undergrowth (looking for food no doubt) We saw our first Goldcrest at The RSPB Lodge a while ago now, and yes these 2 two where hiding in the bracken laden undergrowth

I do not know whether Firecrest like to hide in the undergrowth in the same manner of not?

How similar are they in their eating habits?

Regards

Kathy and Dave

Unknown said:

Hello Kathy and Dave,

Goldcrests have rather plain head markings, which make them look rather 'astonished', compared to the more colourful head markings of the firecrest, which lend them a rather 'grumpy' look!

Firecrests have a narrow black eye-stripe (in front of and behind the eye) and then a broad white supercillium (stripe above the eye). Above the supercillium is another narrow black stripe (the lateral crown-stripe) and then the crest on top of the head, of the colour that gives the bird its name. So firecrests are grumpy and stripey, and goldcrests are astonished and rather plain!

Firecrests are also slightly larger (although this can be difficult to judge), are brighter green on the upperparts and cleaner white on the underparts.

Hope this helps...and do let me know when you find one locally. ;-)

Darren

Thank you for your replies everyone

So I have not missed anyone out at all {thumbs up}

Regards

Kathy and Dave

Hi Blackbird

Thanks for starting this thread. Mag has taken a wonderful photo of a Goldcrest which I wrongly assumed was a Firecrest as I didn't even know there was a bird called a Goldcrest :~

You see again I've learnt something new on this site - Hopefully if I get my stripes in the right order, I won't be making the same mistake in the future :))

hi Kezmo

I hope any information helps.  We share it all between ourselves and that is what this site is here for.  Just picking up little tricks to understand birds helps with ID-ing them,

Going out with a serious birder for a day or two does the trick too.   Dave and I have done that a couple of times, and it does help.

Still though, we are both learning a lot to this day, and we do have our moments good and bad

I have mis-ID'd a young Starling on this forum already by called it a Flycatcher {blush}

How long is a bit of string in the World of Wildlife - never-ending! {thoughtful}

Regards

Kathy and Dave

Unknown said:

Hi Blackbird

Thanks for starting this thread. Mag has taken a wonderful photo of a Goldcrest which I wrongly assumed was a Firecrest as I didn't even know there was a bird called a Goldcrest :~

You see again I've learnt something new on this site - Hopefully if I get my stripes in the right order, I won't be making the same mistake in the future :))