What is this tiny bird?

gretahen · Hazel Tree Joined: 11 Feb 2009 Posts: 3

I have a small balcony and hang bird feeders on it, I also spread some seed and dried mealworms at the edges of the balcony. My main visiters are Blue Tit, Great Tit, Black Cap, Chaffinch, Robin and Doves. Recently I noticed a tiny little bird hopping about in the plant pots and I am not sure what he is. He is smaller than a Blue Tit with a stubby tail and dark gold mixed with green in colour. I can't get too close for a better description but I think I saw an orange stripe on his head.

I hope someone can help me identify this new visitor to my balcony.

Many thanks

Sive · Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 5:25 pm Post subject:

Almost certainly you have the privilege of having a goldcrest visiting you! I think it is our smallest bird and generally lives in or near conifer trees. Maybe you have such trees near your apartment?
These are not birds that you normally see on feeders, so enjoy them, you are lucky to have them.

Serendipity · Hazel Tree Joined: 08 Sep 2008 Posts: 8

Hi Gretahen,

Could it be this http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/g/goldcrest/index.asp
or this?
http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/f/firecrest/index.asp

Hope you find out what it is!

All the best,

Serendipity

gretahen · Hazel Tree Joined: 11 Feb 2009 Posts: 3

Sive and Serendipity thank you for your replies. Yes he does look very much like a Goldcrest except when I checked the link the Goldcrest has buff/white underparts. This chaps underparts are a kind of sludgy green/gold mix.

Sive you are right he doesn't use the feeders but scratches around in the plant pots for bits of seed that have fallen down into them. I have left some dried meal worms in the pots over the past few weeks and they have dissapeared, but I have not been able to witness who eats them!

Liparis · Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 12:12 am Post subject:

It sounds like a goldfinch.
Bill.

gretahen · Hazel Tree Joined: 11 Feb 2009 Posts: 3

Hi Bill,
Thank you for reply. I was able to see this chap in a brighter light (my balcony is in the shade) and I am now sure he is a Goldcrest. I never see two together and wonder if he is on his own! Also I solved the mystery of the meal worm thief, it is a Magpie. Couldn't believe it when I saw him sitting in a planter eating the worms!