Firecrest

Regulus ignicapilla

Scarce here, one was seen on the 17th of November 2001 in the trees in the north-east corner by the New River.

During an influx to Britain in the winter of 2015-2016 one was seen on the 30th of December, followed by a long-staying bird from the 4th of March to the 1st of April.

In nearby Abney Park Cemetery Firecrests are seen most autumns, usually in the more coniferous southern half. Occasionally one or two overwinter there. Abney is among the best sites in London to see them.

Firecrests were first recorded breeding in Britain as recently as 1962. A pair bred in Abney Park in 2000.

Number in Britain: 550 Territories (Summer)

Status:

in London: scarce passage migrant and winter visitor; rare breeder.

in UK: Migrant/Resident breeder, Passage/Winter visitor

Habitat: Coniferous & mixed forest.

Diet: Insects (esp aphids, springtails and caterpillars), spiders mostly on twigs in tree crown.

• Systematic List of the Birds of Stoke Newington Reservoirs / Woodberry Wetlands

Data from the London Natural History Society (LNHS) and British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)