Madeira Firecrest
Regulus madeirensis
Least ConcernAves · Passeriformes · Regulidae
About
The Madeira firecrest, Madeira kinglet, or Madeiracrest is a very small passerine bird endemic to the island of Madeira. It is a member of the kinglet family. Before it was recognised as a separate species in 2003, it was classified as a subspecies of the common firecrest. It differs in appearance and vocalisations from its relative, and genetic analysis has confirmed it as a different species. The Madeiran bird has green upperparts, whitish underparts and two white wingbars, and a distinctive head pattern with a black eye stripe, short white supercilium, and a crest that is mainly orange in the male and yellow in the female.
Fun Fact
The middle layer is moss, and this is lined with feathers (up to 3,000) and hair.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Occurs mainly at higher levels from 600 to 1,550m (1,950–4,900ft) in all types of forests and scrub, but with a preference for tree heaths.
Diet
Feed on the cocoons and eggs of spiders and insects, and occasionally take pollen.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance