Birdsong field guide
Flamecrest
Regulus goodfellowi
The Flamecrest is a tiny, vibrant kinglet endemic to the high-altitude coniferous forests of Taiwan, best known for its brilliant fiery-orange crown.
What it sounds like
High-pitched, thin 'tsip' notes and a sibilant, rhythmic song consisting of accelerating 'zi-zi-zi' sequences.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
0:00 / 1:15
Field notes
- It is the smallest bird species endemic to Taiwan, measuring only approximately 9 centimeters in length.
- The species is sexually dimorphic, with males displaying a much more intense orange-red crest compared to the yellow-orange of females.
- Unlike many other kinglets, it possesses striking facial markings including a thick black eye-stripe and white 'spectacles'.
- It was first described in 1906 and named after Walter Goodfellow, a British zoological collector who explored the mountains of Taiwan.
- During winter, these birds may engage in altitudinal migration, moving to slightly lower elevations to escape extreme alpine weather.
Habitat
Primary montane coniferous forests, particularly dominated by hemlock, fir, and spruce.
Range
High mountains of Taiwan, typically between 2,000 and 3,700 meters.
Similar & commonly confused birds
Heard a Flamecrest?
Open Birdsong, tap record, and identify the bird singing near you in seconds — then collect it in your field journal.
Identify a bird by its song